Ephesians 3:10

By |Published On: April 4, 2018|Categories: 4-Minute Radio Program|

Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada and I know something you don’t know!

Doesn’t a phrase like that absolutely bug you? Like a burr under your saddle? Something about it just irks, doesn’t it? I remember when I was a kid they even made a rhyme of it: “I know something you don’t know.” Like flaunting the fact that your friend possesses some secret knowledge, something you desperately wanted to know, but they wouldn’t let you in on the secret?! But didn’t you love it when the shoe was on the other foot! Holding a secret brings with it a sense of power, of privilege. And there’s always a rush of excitement when finally, you “spill the beans.”

Well, the apostle Paul declares that we, as Christians, are in that privileged position. In fact, he writes about it in Ephesians Chapter 3, verse 10. He says, “It is now God’s purpose that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.” What’s so secretive about that? Well, you see, for ages, the angels (that is, the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places) longed to know God’s plan for His people. One Bible translator says the angels and all the other heavenly hosts were “standing on tiptoe trying to see,” — trying to understand. And finally, when the time was right to reveal His secret, God chose us to make it known; known to us.

Now, I find it humbling, yet very empowering, to realize that Angelic beings are watching us as we demonstrate God’s plan to bring all people together through His Son. In us they see His blueprint unfolding. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to mess that up! The fact that I am God’s blackboard upon which He chalks marvelous lessons about Himself to teach angels and demons, well, talk about privilege! I mean such a thought drives me back to His Word to make sure I’ve got the message right, and it brings me to my knees in prayer as I seek God’s direction, wisdom, discernment and power. Because you see, as always, with privilege comes responsibility.

So just what is it that God is teaching the angelic hosts through us? What’s the big secret that was hidden from them in previous ages? Well, our salvation, for one thing. I’m sure it still makes angels and demons drop their jaws in their laps when they see the way God humbled Himself to become a man; to then serve human beings, His own creation; then God to be treated like a criminal, and then be crucified for our sins. Man, never in a million years would the angels have dreamed up that one! And you and I through our obedience and our devotion to Christ showcase to the angels and demons that such a sacrifice was worth it. And God ends up receiving all the more glory for it. So, what are some of the other lessons being chalked up on the blackboard of your life? Well, every day, you and I get the chance to show the angels that God’s grace is strong enough to sustain us, especially in our suffering. They would never grasp just how powerful God’s grace is unless they saw that grace at work in your life. Oh, and there’s so many more lessons: lessons about God’s mercy, His love, His forgiveness and on and on. So, pray with me today, would you? And say, “Lord, I am amazed that You would use me to reveal Your secrets to the angels and demons! I feel so privileged, yet inadequate, for the job. So please help me to ‘get it right’ today, Jesus. Let my choices, my words and attitudes reveal to the angelic hosts just how wonderful you are. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”

Previously aired on 04/11/13 #8074

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