To me…this grace was given…to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:8-10 excerpted

God makes big plans.  I don’t.  So sometimes I need to be reminded of just how big His plans really are!

The Bible book of Ephesians says that God had a “mystery hidden for ages,” that was revealed after Jesus came to earth. This mysterious plan was for what is called the church.  Scotty Smith offers this definition of the church: “The church is a beloved family, created by God and redeemed by the gospel, called to be the primary means by which God shows and tells his story of redemption in Jesus Christ.”[1]

But this mysterious plan, this mission for the church, is much bigger than simply representing Jesus in our communities or even to the nations. It’s a cosmic plan! The Apostle Paul wrote: “To me…this grace was given…to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God… so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:8-10 excerpted).

When followers of Jesus worship Him together, we declare Him to all spiritual powers!  Smith summarizes this mission in a stirring declaration. He writes, “Through the church, God puts the cosmos and all powers on notice:  Jesus Christ is Lord, the Savior of the world, the One who is making all things new. Through Jesus, and only through Jesus, [all] have bold access to a throne of grace.  This is the church’s meaning, message and mission.”[2]

Let’s give thanks for being called into His family and His incredible plan.

[1] Smith, Scotty. “Just Give Me Jesus.” Ephesians:  The Love We Long For, New Growth Press, Greensboro, NC, 2020, p. 41

[2] Ibid.