Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Today’s Scripture Reading
Ephesians 3:1–12

This is the reason that I, Paul, am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ.

In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power.

Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. (NRSV)  

Reflection

What an incredible message Paul has for us in verse 6! “Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.” In other words, all are welcomed as children of the living God and siblings one with another through the Christ.  

Before his conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul was one of the most powerful religious leaders of his time. He felt the obligation to keep the foundations of his religion secure from new thoughts and new ideas, like those of the early Christian church, through judgment and persecution of those “others” outside the tradition. After his conversion, his vision changes from one of exclusion to one of radical inclusion. What had been hidden from view was now revealed. That those outside the accepted religious practices, those identified as other, were also included in God’s plan for humankind. Paul tells us that this mystery had not been made known as it was now being revealed through the apostles (verse 5). This intentional, radical inclusion of “others” seems central to the message of Christ.  

Paul proclaims his ministry to the outsiders as a revelation, “that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might be made known” (verse 10). This is the heart of the matter: it is precisely the rich variety of the church that is its saving grace. The radical inclusion of those not like us. The desire to understand rather than change.  

Prayer

Living and inclusive God who created all things, help me to see you in the actions of those around me, to hear you in the words they speak, and to welcome all as my siblings in Christ. Amen. 

Written by Robert Sinclair, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church  

Reflection and prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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