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Eph 3:1-7 (ESV)
3 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
As I read this passage, I’m reminded of a great old game show called The Price is Right. I remember watching that when I was a kid. I think the best part was watching the reaction of people when they won and how excited they would get in that moment.
But then there were the extra moments, those times when someone won more than just the prize that they saw. “Tell them what they’ve won Johnny!” Bob Barker would say to the announcer and he would go on to give them the details of their brand-new washer and drier…, “But wait there’s more!” Johnny would then tell them about the vacation package that they’ve also won to a great destination in the United States (like an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World) and how awesome a trip it would be for their family…, “But Johnny, how are they going to get there?” Bob Barker would ask. “In their new car!” came Johnny’s reply. Picture it if you can, the overwhelming happiness and excitement that was on the winner’s face as they took it all in.
I think that’s the joy and excitement that must be on the faces of the Gentiles as they read this part of Paul’s letter, especially verse six, and I would sum it all up with the phrase, “But wait, there is more!”
Finally, the mystery and plan of God’s purposes is coming to ultimate fulfillment through Jesus Christ and the amazing, mind-blowing thing is that the Gentiles are part of this plan. God has hinted at it throughout the Old Testament, in Isaiah in particular, and now the time has come; the Gentiles, along with the Jews, are brought into fellowship with the Heavenly Father, not as second-class citizens, but on equal terms with the Jewish people with full rights and privileges. Tell them, Johnny!
First, the Gentiles share in the full inheritance (Romans 5.17)
Second, they are fellow members of one body in Christ. They are not second-class.
Third, they have an equal share in the promises of God. These are the promises that have been made to Abraham and now, because of Jesus, the Gentiles stand in the line of Abraham.
The amazing thing is that you and I are in; we are part of this family of faith, this body of Christ. You and I are part of God’s plans and purposes.
All this is yours…,
So how will you respond?
God bless you and know that I’m praying for you constantly.
Scott
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