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 that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

Ephesians 3:10 – 13

These three sentences contain so much!  First is Paul’s testimony about God’s wisdom in choosing to live in those who follow Christ, in such diversity that all human need is met.  Of course, we have the texts of Scripture that we love very much but the powerful people on earth who run things have little or no interest or knowledge of that.  Paul states that as the believers honor God and shape their lives around the Gospel, then even those who are not at all interested, even negative, can see the wisdom and power of God as lived and displayed by believers – in simple but humble rejoicing believers.

Secondly, Paul asserts that the eternal purposes of God are now experienced by those who have made Jesus Christ their Lord. That relationship is so close that their lives are exhibits of God’s marvelous grace.  In other words, if people want to see God at work, let them look at the church of Jesus Christ where the various giftings of God are clear and strong, working together to reveal the love of God for all.

Then Paul encourages believers to approach God with freedom and confidence.  Our gift!

So Paul closes the opening statement in this amazing and beautiful letter.  The closing statement is a testimony – Paul has and is still suffering for Jesus’ sake.  That is important.  Following Jesus includes suffering for him.  But, Paul adds, in a most wonderful way, that as the Ephesian believers understand how he suffered for them, they should not pity Paul, but should delight in his suffering, in so doing glorify God themselves.

My Lord, may I see myself as exhibiting your saving grace today and always.