Nothing is Taken for Granted
(Ephesians 3:5-6)
After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, there was no concept of Gentiles in their hearts. How is it that we, who are Gentiles, now consider it as a matter of course that we are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ? Has this faith naturally developed over time?
1. There is Sacrifice by Someone
Someone introduced the concept that both Gentiles and Jews together form the body of Christ for the first time, and that person is the Apostle Paul. He emphasized that this mystery was revealed to the holy apostles. In fact, Paul himself understood this mystery before any other apostles did, and the formal recognition of his Gospel took place during the first Sanhedrin held in Jerusalem.
2. There is No One to Acknowledge
In a situation where no one acknowledged that God’s mystery was revealed to him, he preached the Gospel and endured all kinds of suffering to protect it. Jews who regarded Gentiles as beasts, and even Jews who had become Christians, denied him. So, were the Gentile believers, who were the beneficiaries of the Gospel, any different? They should have been in position to support Paul, but they too often questioned his authority and had doubts. In this challenging situation, Paul undertook the mission to ensure that the Gospel would take root all over the world.
3. Now, We are Here
The sacrifices made by few individuals should not be taken for granted. Recognizing the value of their sacrifices and being thankful for them is a fundamental attitude of faith. Our lives to be protected within the church system and live a faith life is by no means a given and all is possible because of someone else’s sacrifice. Now, let us become workers ourselves. Even if no one acknowledges it, let us lead a sacrificial life for the church. God will consider this righteousness. While our righteousness cannot be compared to the righteousness of the Lord, let us struggle to practice righteousness. Through this, God’s work upon all nations will be fulfilled.
November 26, 2023
Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim
