Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Fill with All Fullness

When you think of God and his nature, is one of the first characteristics to come to mind his wisdom?  If you are like me, then probably not.  That is why I am so struck by Paul's statement at the end of Romans "to the only wise God" (16:27).

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.  [Romans 16:25-27]
 
Of all the characteristics (his love, mercy, grace, forgiveness, so forth), to highlight his wisdom is surprising. 

Yet, here is something even more surprising.  God has chosen to make his wisdom known to the "rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms" through the church.

so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. [Ephesians 3:10]

Yikes!  Have you seen the church?  Doesn't this make you a little concerned?  It makes me even more aware of God's provision, grace and faithfulness.  Just a few verses later we see:

14For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God [Ephesians 3:14-19]

Yes God, fill me with all the fullness of you "that to him [God] be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." [Eph 3:21]

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