What is the most significant institution on Earth? The United States government? Apple? Microsoft? Harvard, Yale, or Princeton? The United Nations?
God’s Word would say none of these. Most people would never guess what it is. Yet God’s Word unveils it.
…so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (EPH 3:10)
God displays his multi-faceted wisdom to the universe through his people. He exhibits his wisdom to watching angels and demonic powers THROUGH THE CHURCH! Through all believers, on Earth and in heaven, who make up the church.
One of Ephesians’ main themes is the revelation of God’s mysterious, long-hidden plan to unite both Jews and Gentiles into one new people in Christ. Through the gospel, God has taken those who hated and rebelled against him and made them into a new people who love God and each other. This is such a miracle the angels are astounded. The unity of God’s people in Christ displays God’s wisdom in the gospel to the whole universe!
Though multitudes look down on the church or see it as irrelevant, in God’s plan, the church is THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INSTITUTION ON EARTH. More significant than any government, university, think-tank, or multi-billion dollar company.
The angels are watching us! They want to see how we’ll do. They care about us. Hebrews says angels are ministering spirits on our behalf. They’re watching to see God’s wisdom in sending Christ to save and transform God haters and people haters into God lovers and people lovers.
God’s glory is at stake!
Will the heavenly beings see how the gospel has changed us? Will they see us seek to be reconciled to each other and forgive each other? Will they observe us love our brothers and sisters despite all their failures and weaknesses? Will they see us show mercy to one another, be patient and forbearing with one another?
Paul says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3).
It’s a high calling to be part of the institution God has chosen for the display of his glory to the universe. Let’s seek God’s grace to fulfill this glorious calling.
