We read Ephesians 3 today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan and it is just as exciting to me as the very first time that I read or heard this!
8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints
(God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously
entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless,
incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being
could have searched out], 9 Also to enlighten all men and make plain to
them what is the plan [regarding the Gentiles and providing for the salvation
of all men] of the mystery kept hidden through the ages and concealed
until now in [the mind of] God Who created all things by Christ Jesus. 10 [The purpose is] that through the church the complicated, many-sided wisdom of God in all its
infinite variety and innumerable aspects might now be made known to
the angelic rulers and authorities (principalities and powers) in the heavenly
sphere. 11 This is in accordance with the terms of the
eternal and timeless purpose which He has realized and carried
into effect in [the person of] Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 In Whom, because of our faith in Him, we dare to
have the boldness (courage and confidence) of free access (an unreserved
approach to God with freedom and without fear).
GOD's plan was ALWAYS to have a people for Himself who would be ABLE to worship HIM in Spirit and in Truth! He desired for us to have a free will so that our choice for HIM would be REAL and not forced! He did NOT desire ROBOTS! Now we, those of us who have received JESUS as Lord and personal Saviour, choose to LOVE JESUS because WE WANT TO and NOT because someone is forcing or programming us to! YOUR love for HIM is REAL, and that is JUST what HE wants! AMEN! He also REALLY wants US to know how much HE loves US! Look at verse 19:
19 [That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!
AMEN! And then He further explains just how much HE wants to bless US! Verse 20-21:
20 Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]— 21 To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).
AMEN! SO, let's GIVE HIM the GLORY that HE alone deserves! Here is Hillsong Worship with "No One But You":
Shalom in Him!
