Ephesians 3:9: Mystery

Ephesians 3:9
[9] and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, (ESV)

Timing is everything. When it comes to God's timing, we have to admit that we sometimes do not understand.  This mystery of bringing together people from all tribes and nations and making them all one united body was something that mankind had to wait a very long time for.  Paul was bringing this truth to light for the Ephesians, and the church at large.  There were hints along the way about this ministry.

In Revelation 13:8 the Apostle John writes about Jesus, "slain before the foundation of the world."  Before God created the world, he created a way for our salvation through Christ.  We often think of Christ as Creator and Redeemer.  But he was actually Redeemer before he was Creator.  This mystery of our salvation was hidden for ages in God. 

Another hint comes for us in Genesis 3. When God confronted Adam and Eve regarding their sin, he promised a redeemer. 

Genesis 3:15
[15] I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” (ESV)

The serpent's head would be crushed by the offspring of the woman.  This is a prophetic reference to Jesus' death and resurrection.  Satan bruised his heel by Jesus being put to death.  But Jesus crushed Satan's head by conquering death and rising again, thus securing our own salvation and hope of eternal life.

Let's look at one more hint. We find it in Genesis 12 in the Lord's words to the great patriarch, Abraham. 

Genesis 12:3
[3] I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (ESV)

Through Jesus, descendant of Abraham, all the families of the Earth have indeed been blessed.  Timing is certainly everything.  Hindsight is 20/20.  This wonderful mystery of what God has accomplished in Christ is revealed for all of us.  I am so thankful that God loved us so much to reveal his truth to us. 

You are reading this as proof that God wants to reveal truth to you.  Praise him for his plan of salvation.  Ask God to help you reveal his mystery of salvation to someone who is still in the darkness.