Read: Ephesians 3:1-13
The mystery of Christ . . . was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. (vv. 4-5)
What do you think of when you hear the word “mystery”? Maybe you think of a “whodunit” novel by Agatha Christie. Or maybe you think of something beyond human understanding such as the origin of the universe.
Paul has something different in mind. He uses the Greek word mystērion, which refers to something that was previously hidden but that has now been revealed. Paul speaks of “the mystery of Christ,” which is that God is gathering up all things in Jesus, in heaven and on earth. As we saw yesterday in Ephesians 2:11-22, the primary place this mystery is made visible is in the church, God’s new humanity, where Jews and Gentiles are brought together in Christ.
This mystery was first made known to the apostles and prophets, including Paul, by revelation. But it wasn’t intended for just a select few. No, it is an open secret—a secret meant for all people, everywhere! Paul was commissioned by God’s grace to go and get the secret out!
As the church, we are God’s primary agent for getting this secret out. Whisper it in the streets and shout it from the rooftops! The church exists to tell and show the secret—show the world what it looks like when Jesus heals and brings fractured hearts and relationships together. —Brian Keepers
As you pray, ask God to help you share this open secret with your words and actions today.
About the Author
Brian Keepers has been an ordained pastor in the Reformed Church in America for 23 years. He is currently serving as the lead pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. Brian is married to Tammy, and they have two daughters and a granddaughter.
