Devotion • January 17
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
Paul had a calling, and the calling was clear: preach the gospel to Gentiles, for they also belong to God. The radicalness of including Gentiles among the people of God is a conversation for another devotional, but it is enough to say Paul was pushing the envelope in his ministry.
But what I notice is the language Paul uses to describe this calling. He does not speak of personal fulfillment. He does not speak of meaning. Paul describes himself as a “prisoner for Christ.” I wonder how that would work in a campaign for membership in the church: “Come and join us and be a prisoner for Christ!” Ironically, Paul also describes his calling as grace.
There is something significant in this ancient wisdom that is less common in contemporary culture. Seeking personal fulfillment is important. The life each day offers should not be missed. Pursuing meaning is worthwhile, otherwise life would be empty. But a part of these worthy pursuits is the call to live in a way that God expects us to live.
To do so can provide the most meaningful life, but it may first be experienced as responsibility. Paul claimed it as a source of joy that he not only knew what he wanted for his life, but he knew what he was supposed to do with his life. When we know what our life is for, then nothing is better than that. And Paul would teach us that our lives, all of us, are to be lived for Christ.
Prayer
God of mercy, be in my ears that I might hear you. Be in my eyes that I might see the signs of your grace. Be in my heart that I might choose to follow you. Be in my will that I might not only choose to do things right, but to do the right things. In the name of Christ, my Lord, Amen.
Written by Tom Are Jr., Interim Pastor
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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