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Ephesians 3:4-5
In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.
When we read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation it helps us to understand how patient and loving God has been with humanity. But it also shows us how much He has given -- from free-will, to the answering of our many demands, and then onto our rescue from trouble when we needed it most. Here are a few examples:
We don't need God. We can make our own decisions. We're pretty good on our own. (See the story of Adam and Eve.)
We can all live based on our own consciences -- that way we will live in harmony. (See the story of the tower of Babel and all the way to Noah.)
We need a "how to book" so we can follow the rules. (See the story of Moses, the Exodus and Ten Commandments.)
We just need better leaders. (See the story of Saul, David, Solomon and all the other kings of Israel.)
God knew all along that we couldn't do it on our own. We needed a Savior. Unfortunately, the exact type, nature, and purpose of this promised Messiah was not made known to previous generations. Why? Weren't the words and descriptions fully recorded in the Old Testament? Paul doesn't answer this question in our passage today, but he did in 1 Corinthians 2:14: "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit."
In other words, it is only with the insight of the Holy Spirit that the mystery Paul references in our passage today is revealed. We simply can't perceive the mysteries of God from a human perspective. Old Testament people couldn't understand the full revelations of their Prophets because they hadn't been "born again". (John 3:3: "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'") Paul tells us that it is through the reading of Scripture AND the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit that Christ is revealed in His fullness.
Are you looking for answers? Do you seek the counsel of the world or the Lord? The latest self-proclaimed guru or the One who died for you? All too often we want things from God (just like the Old Testament people), when He has already given us everything in Jesus. Will you accept His gift?
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There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.
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Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.
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