Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

Do you enjoy a good mystery? If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, get ready to embrace an element of mystery in your spiritual journey. At first glance, this may sound peculiar, even unsettling. However, there exists a profound level of mystery surrounding the one true living God. It’s a mystery rooted in our limitations as humans; we cannot fully grasp all there is to know about Him, we often fail to understand His ways entirely, and we certainly cannot predict His actions.

The Nature of Divine Mystery

The element of mystery should not instill doubt or anxiety within us; rather, it should spark anticipation, awe, and wonder. There is so much about God that remains beyond our comprehension, so much to discover about His nature and character, that it makes our relationship with Him an exhilarating adventure.
Psalm 119:68 eloquently illustrates this: “You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” This verse reassures us of God’s inherent goodness, inviting us to seek understanding even in areas veiled by mystery. Just as we cannot fathom the depth of the oceans or the vastness of the universe, we are invited to delve into the vastness of God’s love and wisdom, continually discovering nuggets of truth and insight along the way.

Paul’s Revelation in Ephesians 3

In Ephesians 3, the Apostle Paul offers a glimpse into the extraordinary mystery he experienced firsthand through divine revelation. Paul speaks of a profound plan—one that encompasses both Jews and Gentiles, united through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 3:6 states: “This mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and shares together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” At the time, this was revolutionary. Until Paul’s revelation, many believed the Messiah was solely for the Jewish people, effectively relegating Gentiles to the status of outcasts. However, in a magnificent demonstration of God’s inclusive love, Paul was called to share the gospel with Gentiles, revealing the boundless love of God available to all humanity.
This divine plan speaks to the heart of God’s purpose for humanity, which was never to divide, but rather to unite. Through Christ, the veil is torn down—not just between God and man, but between communities and individuals often seen as ‘other.’ The cross shows us that there is accessibility for everyone through the love of Jesus.

Displaying the Manifold Wisdom of God

Paul emphasizes that a critical aspect of God’s purpose in uniting Jew and Gentile is to display “the manifold wisdom of God” (Ephesians 3:10). The body of Christ serves as a canvas upon which the wisdom of God is painted. Each believer, regardless of background or history, plays a role in making known the greatness of God’s love, mercy, and grace.
Our purpose is not to elevate ourselves or to draw attention to our own names; in fact, it is far removed from any notion of self-promotion. It ultimately revolves around glorifying Christ. As John 3:30 states, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Our testimonies, actions, and lives should collectively point to Him, reflecting His character to this world in desperate need of it.

A Prayer for Empowerment and Understanding

The beauty of Ephesians 3 culminates in Paul’s prayer for the church at Ephesus—a prayer filled with hope and aspiration that remains relevant for us today. He prayed that they would be empowered by the Holy Spirit, strengthened in their inner being (Ephesians 3:16). This empowerment is not merely for personal gain or success; it is intended to enable us to live in a manner that reflects God’s glory.
Applying this prayer to our lives, families, churches, and leaders invites a spirit of growth and unity. Are we willing to pray that we, too, would be strengthened by the Holy Spirit? Do we desire to grasp the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:18)? Paul encourages us to pursue a deepening understanding, continuously expanding our capacity to love and understand.
Additionally, living lives that glorify God necessitates action and intentionality. It starts with acknowledging our need for God’s empowerment and committing to put our full trust in Christ. Our innate human instincts often lead us to doubt or fear, but when we anchor ourselves in the truth of God’s character, that which appears mysterious transforms into a wellspring of hope and assurance.

God’s Plan for a New Creation

Through Christ, we have been made new; in Him, we have access to something beyond ourselves. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” The mysteries of God invite us into this transformative journey where His promises become real and tangible.
As we continue to walk with Jesus, let us cultivate hearts that are eager to dive into the mystery of who God is. He beckons us to explore the vast depths of His love and wisdom. It isn’t a pursuit of answers for every question; it is about deepening our relationship with the living God who is ever-revealing Himself to us.

Conclusion: Walking in Awe and Anticipation

Embracing the mysterious nature of God should be infused with a sense of awe and reverence. As we journey with Him, we will constantly encounter new revelations, insights, and truths that shape our understanding and amplify His greatness.
Let us remember that God doesn’t desire mental assent; He desires relational engagement, a heart that is hungry for Him. This journey is meant to be exciting—not merely a checklist of doctrines or beliefs but a living, vibrant walk of faith with the Creator of the universe.
Are you ready to pray into this mystery today? Are you prepared to invite God into every area of your life, to reveal His character and empower you through the Holy Spirit? Let us approach the throne of grace, eager to experience the richness of His love and the fullness of life available in Christ.
In the grand tapestry of God’s plan, let us find our purpose woven intricately together, all pointing to the greatness of Jesus. The world is watching; may our lives shine brightly with His glory. Amen.