Ewald Schmidt

"He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment …" Ephesians 1:9-10a

A mystery intrigues us. When we know of the existence of a mystery, our curiosity drives us to seek answers until it is solved. Paul[E1]  writes to a first-generation group of believers in Ephesus. Some of them have previously tried to make sense of life by worshipping the Greek gods, by practising rituals and giving offerings that brought them no peace. Other believers were Jews, who practised the obedience to the Law of Moses, as well as a lot of different interpretations thereof as prescribed by the Pharisees. They too experienced that they were still missing peace with God, and the joy of a fulfilling relationship with him. Both these groups of Christians found the secret, the mystery that was hidden in their lives, when they entrusted their lives to Christ.

The mystery of life, that was hidden before we knew Jesus as Lord, is that God really loves us. It is not just a coincidence that we happen to be his children. God has been interested in our lives long before we ever knew of his existence. God has created each one of us as a unique individual. He also uses unique methods in each of our lives to make himself known to us. Some Christians grew up in a home with God-fearing parents, who taught them about the love of Jesus since they were very small. Others have walked some dubious paths in life, following their own desires. But there comes a day when they become aware of the love of Christ, reaching out to them through someone’s caring, through a text in Scripture, maybe at a camp friends dragged them to[E2] . But that is the mystery solved in a Christian's life: one day we became aware that God lives, and that he loves us through Jesus.

This is the biggest mystery that needs to be solved in every human's life. We need to find the truth that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is a happy day when we hear his voice, calling us by our name to follow him. The promise Jesus gives is that he wants to give us life, in abundance! (See John 10:10)

Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, that you have revealed the greatest mystery to me. Thank you that you love me, and want to give me life in abundance! Guide me and strengthen me through your Spirit, to follow you wherever you may lead me. Amen