May 6 A Faithful Stewart

Ephesians 3:2-6 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.   
 
PAUL urges the Gentiles to know of the special privileges God has given to him. First of all, he describes himself as a steward. We more often use the term “servant” to understand the humility with which we are called to serve Christ. But a steward had more responsibility than a servant. As we are called to be good stewards of our possessions, for example, a steward was one who managed the affairs of a wealthy household. As such he was accorded some prestige and privilege. We might see him as the Head Butler in a home. Using “steward” Paul describes how he is privileged to manage the greatest wealth of all, the mystery of Christ.
    This mystery of Christ describes Paul’s second privilege. He is one who has received a special revelation from Jesus. You can read of Jesus’ astonishing revelation to Paul in Acts 9 and 2 Corinthians 12. Paul was privileged to receive the precious gospel truth directly from the Lord.
    Then Paul transfers this revelation privilege to the Gentiles. Verse 5 describes how “sons of men” – or the Gentiles – in ages past did not know of this mystery. But now they know. AS Paul has been made a steward of the gospel, so have the Gentiles.  
    Third, in expressing the privilege of knowing the mystery of Christ, Paul affirms he is not writing to the church to disclose his opinions. Instead, he is declaring God’s mysterious truth revealed to him in the Son of God by the Spirit of God. Paul has seen and heard directly from the Lord. He stewards God’s rich Word to all of God’s chosen people. He manages the work of the gospel to distribute it wherever he goes. He writes Ephesians and other letters to manage Jesus’ church here on earth in order to prepare each member for the revelation of Jesus Christ on the Last Day.
    Do you have a Bible? Do you understand what God says? Do you believe in Jesus? Do you say, “I’m forgiven.” with full confidence of your faith? Then count it a special privilege. You have been granted an eternal honor to steward the gospel to the people God has placed in your life.
    Know the truth. Steward the truth. Count it a joyful privilege.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your great revelation to me. I pray I will be a faithful steward in all matters concerning you. In Jesus’ name, amen.