Unravelling the Mystery

The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. _{Colossians 1:26}

I enjoy reading, and I have gone through quite a number of books over the years, but I particularly enjoy a good mystery. Stories that can take you on a journey as you try to unravel the secrets that are being kept; truths that no-one wants to tell.

The bible can feel like a mystery at times with narratives that are hard to get your head around, but in this book, the truth is never withheld. From the very beginning, we see the relationship that God wanted to have with mankind; a union that was not hidden. However, when the relationship broke down, the ‘re’union became the basis of the mystery of the Christ, even though his coming was made clear from the start.

A star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel ^{_{Numbers 24:17}}. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. ^{_{Isaiah 49:6}}

The Jewish people may have had a special bond with the Lord, but they would not have exclusive rights to the salvation that the Anointed One would bring. The Messiah was not born as the Saviour of Israel, but as the Saviour of the world. This is the mystery that the apostle Peter proclaimed after his encounter with Cornelius, and which Paul and Barnabus would declare throughout their missionary travels.

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. ^{_{Ephesians 3:6}}

The reunion of man with God is only possible through Jesus, but it is available to everyone. The promise of salvation is for us all, and when we partake of that promise, we become members of the one church of God and joint heirs of his kingdom.

That might be one mystery solved but it leads us to another equally amazing one, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27). The bible is packed with wonders that the Lord wants to reveal to his saints, so keep digging in to God’s word, for you will continue to be amazed at the mysteries you unravel.