Listen

You’ve heard, of course, about the responsibility to distribute God’s grace, which God gave to me for you, right? God showed me his secret plan in a revelation, as I mentioned briefly before (when you read this, you’ll understand my insight into the secret plan about Christ). Earlier generations didn’t know this hidden plan that God has now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets through the Spirit. This plan is that the Gentiles would be coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they would share with the Jews in the promises of God in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Ephesians 3:2-6

Think

When I was young, I was part of a Christian rock band called I.X.Z.U.S. It took its name from the Greek word for fish: “ichthys.” Long before the use of the cross, Christians used this word and symbol to share their beliefs with each other. To them, it was an affirmation of faith: Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter, i.e. Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Other cultures around the ancient church also used the fish as a symbol. Because of this, the symbol was not suspicious, making it the perfect secret symbol for those who were persecuted for believing in Jesus. The symbol united those who believed in Christ beyond their place of origin and the color of their skin. This can remind us of the secret plan that Ephesians speaks about: that the Gentiles are coheirs and parts of the same body, and that they share in the promises of God in Christ Jesus. We are one in Christ Jesus. No differences. No conditions. No divisions. All included. May this once-secret plan continue to be revealed in your life and in mine.

Marissa Galván-Valle

Question to Ponder:

How can we be intentionally inclusive of others?

Pray

Your love for me is unconditional, O God. That much is revealed to me as I read about Ephesians’ intentional inclusion. Your love for others is as well.

Help me understand your will, which is that we need to recognize the equal spiritual identity, status, honor and blessing that God has provided for everyone. God’s grace is inclusive grace, and for that I am thankful.

Amen.

Go

Jesus Christ is born for all the world! Step into the light of God and celebrate God’s manifestation in the sunlight, in the kind words of a friend, and in the love that surrounds you.