| Knowing the Mystery--Ephesians 1:9 |
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1:9 making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him
My daughter loves dragon books. Several years ago she read one called, "Eragon" which purported to be the first in a trilogy of such books. Last year the second book came out (which she read in a day!) and she was anxiously awaiting the third book this year. Just this week, she discovered that the third book isn't coming out until summer of 08 and she is greatly perturbed. On a fansite she learned that newer paperback copies of the second book have a teaser section of the third book. Last night we stopped at a bookstore and she read the teaser section. Of course it is taken from the middle of the book and ends at a cliffhanger and now she can hardly stand the suspense. What is going to happen to the hero? How will all the various story lines be worked out?
This is exactly how the prophets of old felt. God gave them visions and hints. He showed them "teaser sections" of the future and his plan. but his overall plan for the salvation of mankind was still a mystery. After one such vision Daniel remarks that, "I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding." This is not to say that the prophets didn't long to know what God was planning.
1:10 The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; 1:11 they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory. 1:12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things which have now been announced to you by those who preached the good news to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Not only was God's will/plan a mystery to the prophets, but also to the angels. Who was this promised Messiah? How would the Jews be saved? What were these passages about suffering? What would the Kingdom be like? What would be required of man?
Today we tend to take the Gospel for granted because it is KNOWN. It's old news, no longer a mystery. This however is precisely the blessing that Paul is pointing out to us in Ephesians 1:9. We live in a time when we do know God's will(plan for salvation) and can follow it. We are blessed with the knowledge that all who came before us longed to have! The secret is no longer a secret! Through faith in Jesus and because of his sacrifice on our behalf, we are saved by the grace of God!
Occasionally I come across books that have titles such as "The Secret Message of Jesus" or "The hidden Bible Codes" and such. Titles that imply that there is a certain knowledge that only a few know (and if you buy this book you can know too!). Knowledge that if you apply can save you. I always turn a wary eye on such books, because GOD has made known to us the mystery of His will.
It is not secret knowledge that brings us salvation. But the grace of God through the blood of Jesus Christ. And that has been revealed to us by God and we are called by God to tell the entire world the same good news!
May you bask in the knowledge of God's will. May you find the assurance and peace which His will offers us through Jesus. And May you make known the mystery to all who do not yet know. |
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