The Bigger Mystery Revealed

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Ephesians Devotions – part 8

Ephesians 3:1-12

Paul has been building truth upon truth through chapters 1 and 2. He wanted his readers to know that each piece builds on the last, He wanted us to have a firm foundation for our lives and our hope.

In Ephesians 1:8-9, Paul introduced the idea of “The Mystery.” He talked about God making known the mystery of His will in Christ Jesus. In the rest of chapter 1, Paul talks about Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. That’s part of the mystery, but not the whole of it. In chapter 2, he seems to get sidetracked talking to the Gentiles about being lost and everyone, Jew or Gentile, being sinners. It wasn’t a sidetrack!  it is very important to understanding the mystery. He concludes that chapter by talking about the unity Christ brought to Jews and Gentiles.

From before creation God knew there would be sin that would divide His creation from Him. He made a master plan that He didn’t reveal even to the angels. We know that plan was for Jesus, who was God in human flesh, to live a sinless life on earth. Then because He was sinless, those who wanted dominion over creation would kill Him. What those forces didn’t know was that because he was sinless, his death could be the means to redeem people back to God.

From creation, God wanted to have people who would love and honor Him. Soon after creation, people were tempted to try to know as much as God and rule themselves. Sin took hold of mankind’s heart. Out of all of humanity, God chose the Jewish nation. He gave them the Law so they would know what they needed to do to please Him. That included animal sacrifices to cover their sin. However, being human, they could not keep the Law.

During this time, all the other nations on earth tried to find God. They made gods for themselves and worshipped idols. They tried many ways to please ‘god,’ but nothing worked. The Jews called them, uncircumcised by which they meant unacceptable to God.

There was no greater division between men than the division between Jews and Gentiles. The Jews had been given God’s Law that they were supposed to follow to please God. The Gentiles, on the other hand, made gods to worship or worshipped the creation, but they had no way to know God.

Now this was the mystery that could only be revealed fully after Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. The mystery was that God had a way to bring the Jews and Gentiles together as God’s holy people, His family, and His true temple (place of worship). His purpose and plan made a way for all people everywhere to be His people, and to be able to love and honor Him.

“God’s intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” Ephesians 3:10-12

This is the summary of the teaching in Ephesians 3. The next post will show what this should mean to us.

Norway Pine Cones

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Norway Pine Branch and Cones

This is a Norway Pine branch and cones. My dad always chose a Norway Christmas tree. When we were very small, after we were asleep on Christmas Eve, mom and dad set up the tree and decorated it. What magic it seemed to their little girls to wake up to that gorgeous tree! As we got older, dad set it up early so that we could have the fun of helping to decorate the tree. The luscious pine smell, the bright lights, and the Christmas carols all made it so special.

I thought the dark cone on the right was an old one or maybe it was just in the deep shadow of overshadowing branches not seen in the photograph. When I read about this tree, the unusual comment was that the youngest cones are a deep purple. They may stay on the tree for 2-3 years and get lighter color before they drop off. Since all the cones I’ve ever really looked at were the fallen cones, I just assumed they were always that lovely tan and brown.


Let’s shine brighter and brighter as we rejoice in our Savior’s coming! Let’s show the world what true peace and joy look like in normal people who know His love and mercy.

Watercolor Poinsettia

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Poinsettia- Watercolor

I finished the Poinsettia in watercolor this week. I looked at all those red leaves and wondered how they could all be red and yet each stand out individually. Thank you, Anna Mason, for showing me the way to do this.

Since this is the “Christmas Plant,” I want to share my thoughts about this. Like the Poinsettia plant, Jesus was One, but with many similar, but distinct expressions. We know him as Saviour, Redeemer, King of kings and Lord of lords, Healer, Friend, and Brother. Isaiah calls him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He was known as a Friend of sinners and Lover of our souls. He said about himself that he is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Every one of these names and expressions and many, many more are a part of the whole of who Jesus is.

As we enjoy remembering Jesus’ birth into this world, let’s ask Jesus to show us another dimension of His life impacting our life and our world.

Poinsettia in Graphite

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Poinsettia Graphite Study

I’m always fascinated by the poinsettia plant. They always appear around Christmas time in the US. With their bright red and dark green leaves they are the perfect decoration.

In preparation for a watercolor of these gorgeous plants, I chose this group to render in graphite. It is a fun challenge to make all the curves and crevices and values show in shades of gray.

Do you feel like your life right now would be best described in shades of gray? In shades of gray the deep crevices and the highlights stand out in good contrast. The highlights shine even brighter because the veins are quite deep. Those veins feed all that shows in your life. Don’t despair, in light of eternity, the beauty of your life is shining in bright, glorious colors.

Maple Leaves

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Maple Leaves

These bright red maple leaves were my practice with a tutorial. The overlapping leaves were the big challenge. I’m not satisfied, but I will try to do better some other time. This is a time of lots of challenges. How are you coping with your challenges? Some challenges are like these leaves were for me. They don’t really matter. But, if your challenges have serious consequences, please reach out to someone to stand with you for support and prayer. They may not be able to change your situation, but knowing you are not standing alone is a great comfort in itself.