Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given to 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. I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.
Reflection
I enjoy a good mystery – whether a crime novel by one of my favourite authors or a replay of a delightful Poirot episode on TV. I find real-life forensic documentaries fascinating too. Most of all, I enjoy pitting my wits against the sleuth or scientist and find delight in coming up with the solution at least as soon as they do!
Paul offers us a mystery here – the big mystery! But unlike Agatha Christie’s Mousetrap, where the audience is asked not to ever reveal the answer, God delights in sharing what he’s been up to since the beginning of time (or earlier!)
An important part of Paul’s message was that it was no longer just for the Jewish people. In fact, God had always planned to include the gentiles – all the other races on Earth. And now Paul expands it to include the ‘rulers and authorities in the heavenly places’. (Intelligent life on other planets, anyone?)
We’re not supposed to fathom out what God is up to – we can’t solve this one by our ‘little grey cells’ or a meerschaum pipe and a deerstalker hat! All wisdom and understanding is a gift – from God – along with His love which adopts us all, Jew and gentile, male and female, slave and free – as His beloved children, brothers and sisters of Jesus. And through Him, offered that wonderful open door into God’s presence.
Are we going in with boldness?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
give us joy and boldness in our prayers
and special times with you.
Help us truly be your beloved children,
sharing that love in deed and word,
without needing to know all the answers. Amen
Today’s writer
Dorothy Courtis, lay preacher, Waveney Valley Ecumenical Partnership
