NOVEMBER 27 | EPHESIANS 3:1-11

Judy Webb
Nov 27
2 min read

DAILY READING

Ephesians 3:1-11

REFLECTION

Thanksgiving and God’s Marvelous Plan for the Gentiles

By Judy Webb

“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 3:6)

The mystery unfolds in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in the third chapter. We find Paul in prison--under house arrest--for two years. He could still preach, but only to those who came to him. As a result, even some among Caesar's house came to faith.

During these two years Paul wrote four letters (Epistles): Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, and Ephesians. He proclaimed all people, Jews and Gentiles, can now be part of the same spiritual family. Verse 6 as read in the VOICE version states, “Specifically, the mystery is this: by trusting in the good news, the Gentile outsiders are becoming fully enfranchised members of the same body, heirs alongside Israel, and beneficiaries of the promise that has been fulfilled through Jesus the Annointed.”

While these two years of imprisonment may be viewed by many as hardship, Paul made the best of this special time. He could not travel about the land freely, but he had unlimited access to many who might never have heard the Gospel message were Paul not confined like this. Also, Paul used this time of isolation to write four epistles-Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians.

Each of these letters had a specific message to the people.

The theme of the letter to the Ephesians is UNITY. Christ has reconciled all people to God-Jew and Gentile.
Philippians - theme is JOY, which is found through unity, humility and focus on Christ even in suffering.
Colossian teaches us to BE TRANSFORMED through the resurrection and love of Jesus, grow in maturity and live in your new identity in Christ.
Philemon’s message to us all is one of RECONCILIATION through forgiveness.

Faith in Christ created a new reality. All believers are brothers in the faith. Are you in a prison cell or incapacitated by a physical or mental handicap? God can and will use you right where you are now. We only need to be open to His call and willing to step into the unknown. Who knows what mystery will reveal! Remember, wherever God has placed you, He will use you.

What a reason to give thanks today!

PRAYER

Lord,

Thank you for the gift of Your Word. A Word that still speaks to us everyday, when we listen. Thanksgiving Day is a holiday to be united, joyful, transformed, and reconciled to you. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.