Reading for Thursday, Nov 1: Eph 3

Paul speaks here of the mystery of Christ — the revelation that God’s grace is now available to the Gentiles as they become “heirs together with Israel” (v6). Paul sees the church as more than simply the instrument of declaring this mystery. No, the church is God’s present demonstration of the in-breaking Kingdom, the place where Jews and Gentiles, male and female, slave and free all have a seat at the Table. “His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (v10-11).

In response to the revelation of this mystery, Paul offers up my favorite prayer in Scripture. He prays to the Father from whom all creation derives its name. He prays for the strength of the Spirit, that Christ might dwell in our hearts. And he prays that we might encounter the love of Christ in its totality: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

There is a knowing that surpasses knowledge.
There is a love that extends beyond our comprehension.
There is a power that is stronger than any other.

And His name is Jesus.