Access with Confidence
Access with Confidence. As we continue in this second devotional from Ephesians 3:8-13, we note that Paul gives us a view into the very throne room of God.
8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. 13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
Ephesians 3:8-13, NKJV
Access with Confidence
In our last devotion, we focused on the first 2 verses of the passage shown above from Ephesians 3. In this devotion, we will focus on verses 10 through 13. You will remember that Paul spoke of the unsearchable riches of Christ which are now made available to people from all nationalities--both Jew and Gentile.
As Paul continues, he gives us a view into the very throne room of God when he said, ". . . to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places." In other words, before this time, the unfolding of God's purpose which illustrates His manifold wisdom, was veiled from view, not only on earth but in heaven as well!
How amazing is that? God, who is God of all gods, had not even revealed these things to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. This reminds me of a phrase in a hymn:
But when I tell redemption's story,
They will fold their wings.
For angels have never felt the joy
That our salvation brings.
We assume that because they are heavenly beings, angels know all things. However, we see here that only God is omniscient (knows all things). Yet, from before the creation of the world, God already had planned the things that were just introduced to the apostles after the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is the result of this to us, as believers, even today? In Christ, we have boldness and access with confidence to God, the Father, Himself! Just think of that. God of all gods, King of all kings, and Lord of all lords, allows each of us, no matter how lowly of a state we are in, complete access to Him 24/7. That access allows us to fellowship with God. Jesus has opened the door, forever, so that we can go directly to God, through Christ.
No problem we face is too difficult, for our Creator God has no limitations in terms of the physical, mental, and spiritual help He can grant to us. No wonder Paul ends these verses with, "Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory."
Now there is a point we do not often consider. Though God has the power to grant everything to His children, He does not do it. Why? Why do we not live in great riches, resplendent with the glory of our heavenly Father? As we view the tribulations of Paul, we come to an understanding. This world is not our home! While on this earth, living in a world that is decaying and filled with sin, we will face hardship, disease, and hatred by those of this world.
Yet, through it all, we can display the glory and peace offered to us through the Lord Jesus Christ. Our happiness does not depend upon things. Our happiness is a result of the peace of God which lives and moves in our inner beings. We do not look for happiness in the things of this earth. Instead, we look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We look to Him and to the time when we will live with Him forever!
Yes, that is what gives us hope! We have access with confidence that our God will guide and direct us all of our days upon this earth, and then will bring us home to live with Him forever!
Go to Christ. He, alone, is the way, the truth, and the life!
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