New Testament | Ephesians 3:1-12 (with Nick Locke)

Opening Song:
Grace and Peace by Joel Sczebel

Lyrics:
Grace and peace oh how can this be
For lawbreakers and thieves
For the worthless the least
You have said that our judgment is death
For all eternity without hope without rest

Oh what an amazing mystery
What an amazing mystery
That Your grace has come to me

Grace and peace oh how can this be
The matchless King of all
Paid the blood price for me
Slaughtered Lamb what atonement You bring
The vilest sinner's heart
Can be cleansed can be free

Grace and peace oh how can this be
Let songs of gratefulness
Ever rise never cease
Loved by God and called as a saint
My heart is satisfied
In the riches of Christ

Oh what an amazing love I see
What an amazing love I see
That Your grace has come to me

Passage:
1 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 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.

7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
(Ephesians 3:1–12 ESV)

Musical Reflection:
Bless the Lord, My Soul by Jacques Berthier

Reflection Notes:
A contribution to the Taizé tradition, this tune by Berthier provides a reverent foundation for the text: “Bless the Lord, my soul, and bless God’s holy name. Bless the Lord, my soul, who leads me into life.”

Prayer:

O God of peace, who hast taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of thy Spirit lift us, we pray thee, to thy presence, where we may be still and know that thou art God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.