Focus

Turn off your cell phone, TV, or radio. Listen to the silence that is around you. Listen for God to speak to you.

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Read

Ephesians 3:1-12 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

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Reflect

This is the season of Epiphany. Epiphany means the sudden clarification of something. It is an “Aha!” moment. Epiphany is the season we celebrate the revealing of God’s plan of salvation in Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. It is marked by the Wise Men of the East coming to visit Jesus Christ and bringing him the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Paul experienced an epiphany of sorts on the Damascus Rd. He suddenly saw, clearly, the person of Jesus Christ.

Paul says the mystery of God was made known to him by revelation, but then connects it with the purpose of his epiphany–Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things.
We are reminded that we do not receive the grace of God for self only, but to share. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. We go and tell about the love, grace, and abundant life that is in Christ Jesus. This light makes us ambassadors of Jesus Christ spreading the news to all people.

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Pray

Gracious God, put a burden on our hearts to share what we have experienced. Use us as ambassadors of reconciliation. Give us a great desire to see all people in fellowship with you and one another. Amen

Go with God!