Ephesians 3:7-13. (NIV)
7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
There is a focus in these verses on the wisdom of God. The church does not exist simply for the benefit of the world, but also to demonstrate God’s wisdom in the heavenly realms. Let’s make this more specific: God chose me for adoption as his son, in order to display his wisdom to the heavenly rulers. I, along with my brothers and sisters in Christ, am the fulfillment of God’s purpose. In me, and in my brothers and sisters, God displays not just his mercy, but also his wisdom. That seems counterintuitive – that it was wise of God to choose us as his sons and his heirs. And yet, that is what he is clearly saying here; through the church, the wisdom of God is displayed in the heavenly realms.
And, like Paul, I, by the grace and wisdom of God, am called to participate in the work of establishing the kingdom. Lord, may I be a faithful servant, to do all that you have given me to do!
