Read Ephesians 1:8b-10 NIV
With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Read Ephesians 3:2-6 NIV
Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
I like to read. I do not have a favorite genre, but there is a key characteristic that is present in all the books that stand out in my memory – an element of mystery. I love it when the plot twists and something happens that you never saw coming! Or when there is this unresolved tension and you can’t quite put your finger on. You find those twists and turns in all kinds of literature – even Belle from Beauty and the Beast can’t resist them when she recounts her favorite book and sings, “Here’s where she meets prince charming, but she won’t discover that it’s him, til chapter three!” Those are the details that make us want to keep reading. That makes us want to know more. They keep us in suspense and bring a sense of awe and wonder.
The mystery Paul is talking about is one that God has been writing hints about in His story since the very beginning! For hundreds of years it kept the Jews searching for a Messiah yet hardly anyone suspected that the resolution of the mystery would come in the form of a man named Jesus. Through Jesus, God’s plan for salvation was revealed! No longer was it a mystery how God planned to restore his creation. It all comes from Jesus. Perhaps the most beautiful part of this mystery is that the salvation that comes through Jesus is for everyone…not just the Jewish people, but for any who would put their trust in Him, surrendering to His love and His will.
Mysteries don’t always have a happy ending in literature. But the mystery of Jesus and God’s love for us brings us hope beyond what we can imagine. The hope of one people, united in Christ, adopted sons and daughters of God for eternity.
