26 ...the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul had a mandate, a calling, to go and spread the good word. We also have a message. Paul came to realize there was a message that was hidden and kept secret from the people in the Jewish faith for 4,000 years and now it is revealed. He had the privilege of telling God's mystery to the world. . The interesting thing with people is that they listen to what is whispered more than what is shouted.
This message of Christ isn't so much a secret as it is a mystery. God had given people clues in the Old Testament but the time was not right to reveal the whole picture. He wanted folks to trust him by faith not by sight. Look at some of the clues. A lamb that was sacrificed; a serpent on a pole keeping people from dying; manna from heaven; a messiah who would both suffer and reign forever and then Jesus Christ came to earth. He was rejected by His people and was crucified. He rose again and returned to heaven. God had initiated a further understanding of His plan - His mystery, which was not fully explained in the Old Testament prophets.
The mystery is that today God is uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body. The Gentiles were no longer excluded from the glorious riches of God's grace. Jesus fulfills the requirements set down by His Father in Heaven. God's plan is that Christ dwells in us. That is our hope of glory. In Jesus are hidden all the knowledge and wisdom to guide you into all truth. That is the power of the gospel message. God does not dwell in tabernacles or temples any longer. Nor is He far from the sinful man, but makes us sinless through the blood of Jesus and dwells among us within our own hearts and souls.
It is not enough that Jesus was a great teacher of morals, what I need is a savior to free me from my bondage to sin. I need someone to tear down the barrier that is between me and God. I need love. I need forgiveness and need to feel worthwhile. That is the mystery message: Christ in me, my hope of glory. Christ can be in you and be your hope of glory. He is a personal Lord and Savior for Jews, Gentiles, and for all people. God is in Jesus Christ reconciling us to Himself.
Application: Every character attribute of Jesus Christ is now in you in the new birth. Our humanity is in conflict with our new nature. We have a new potential to love, to demonstrate gentleness, to exhibit patience, and display peace. Is He your hope for all eternity?
Oh Father God, how great is this revelation of the mystery revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Your Son. He is my hope of Glory. I thank you, for forgiving me and freeing me from the bondage of sin and reconciling me to all that You are.
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