LIGHT OF PURPOSE AND VISION (2)

“According to the ETERNAL PURPOSE which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” – Ephesians 3:11b

The manifold wisdom of God is made manifest by the Church, through the LIGHT of PURPOSE AND VISION: “To the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the ETERNAL PURPOSE which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Eph.3: 10-11). This passage explains Paul's ministry in the context of God's revealed mystery. Paul was called as a minister to the Gentiles, though he preached to anyone who would listen. Prior to this calling, however, he had persecuted the church as an unbeliever, until God's divine Grace saved him, through an encounter with His heavenly Light (Acts 9:3). This same Grace, through the Light of Purpose and Vision, upholds the Church and individual believers in God’s manifold wisdom!

The truths that Paul encountered and shared, were products of Divine Light: “How that BY REVELATION He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ), which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been REVEALED by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets” (vv.3-5). Light begets light! The Light of Revelation reproduced the Light of Purpose. Paul knew that he was called to “preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to MAKE ALL SEE what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been HIDDEN in God who created all things through Jesus Christ” (vv.8b-9). God does not hoard revelation or hide His Purpose from His people.

The unveiling of Divine Purpose in order to enhance the fulfilment of the same, is what is called VISION! According to the English Standard Version, Ephesians 3:9 and 11 say: “And to BRING to LIGHT for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God is intentional, never accidental. And His intentions always follow His Eternal Purpose! In order to fully fulfil His Purpose, He orchestrates an unveiling – Vision!

In turn, being rooted in the reality of Purpose reinforces our Faith and strengthens our hearts: “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory” (vv.12-13). As we’ embrace the LIGHT of PURPOSE and VISION, we shall have access, boldness, and confidence through Faith in Christ Jesus our Lord!