June 7

Manifold Wisdom of God

"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ephesians 3:10,11

It is through a church that is united in Christ that God's wisdom is made known in all realms, not just those here on earth. It is this eternal purpose of unity that Jehovah wishes to be accomplished for His glory. The Greek word purpose is prothesis. Prothesis means to reduplicate. The word prosthesis, an artificial limb of some kind, is derived from the word prothesis. When someone has lost and arm or leg, a prosthesis is made. This artificial arm or leg replaces the limb that is missing. This prosthesis enables the person to do things they once could not. In this same way, Jesus becomes our prosthesis. We are unable to accomplish the unity of the church ourselves. We do not possess the ability to accomplish it alone. But God has given us the purpose; the prothesis; and he will accomplish it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christ makes up what we are missing and can accomplish the impossible. He can do through us what we cannot do on our own. The church is the perfect means of displaying God's wisdom. Variegated and multifaceted like a diamond, the church has the ability through Christ to reflect and shine, thus manifesting the wisdom of God to the entire Universe.

Father thank you for Jesus. Thank you that he is our prothesis, he makes up what we are lacking. Help us to use Him in our church. Never allow us to throw him aside and attempt to do things in our own strength for we know what that will accomplish nothing! Help us to appreciate our variations and our multifacets and realize that these make us more beautiful. Help us to shine for you dear LORD, that we might as a church bring you glory and honor on earth and in heaven. Amen