“Wherein He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He has purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in Heaven and which are on earth—even in Him.”
Ephesians 1:8-10
No longer do we need to wonder “What’s it all about?”—not when we’ve read the final Chapter.
His was a “murder mystery,” if you will. Even an unbeliever in examining the Biblical record of Jesus’ life, arrest, trial and crucifixion will know it was a miscarriage of justice. Nothing He ever said or did violated Moses’ Law or the laws of men. Likewise, His arrest in the wee hours of the morning and the kangaroo court proceedings—conducted long before normal business hours—all cry out “Injustice!!” And, when Pilate himself repeatedly said “I find no fault in Him” (Jn. 19:4, 6), he was speaking the truth.
The question is: “Why did Jesus die?” or “Why didn’t God do something to stop it?”
Truly, the “Questions of the Ages.”
But, thankfully, today’s Manna helps solve this “murder mystery.” And, suddenly, we realize it wasn’t a murder at all—at least from God’s perspective. He knew “before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4a) what would happen to His dear Son when He came to this earth; yet, because of His Great Love. . .and “according to the good pleasure of His will” (v.5) . . . He SENT Jesus to the Cross to die as our Passover Lamb so we could have “redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His Grace” (v.7).
So, let’s set the record straight:
In reality, His was/is not a “murder mystery;” instead, it’s a “Love Story” of One Who willingly gave His Life for us at Calvary. . .“becoming sin so we might be made the Righteousness of God in Him” (II Cor. 5:21). . .by His “being made a curse for us” (Gal. 3:10-13). Hallelujah!!
And, this “mystery revealed” also involves that which is still yet to come (I Cor. 15:51ff). Because He lives, we live also. In Him we are “made acceptable (Grk. ‘charitoo’—to grace, endue with honor, be highly favored, etc.’) in the Beloved” (Eph. 1:6). Instead of our “filthy rags of wretchedness” (Is. 64:6), we receive His spotless robe of righteousness as adopted, pardoned children of the Father.
This wonderful transformation and transaction is not for us only; it’s for “all who believe” (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 10:9-10, 13). From the ends of the earth He wants to “gather together as one all things in Christ” (Eph. 1:10). Let men think they can break down the barriers that exist between nations; such peace treaties may bring a temporary lull in the conflict, but will not put an end to all strife—for only Jesus can accomplish that. Glory!
Just as an earthly murder mystery has a main plot and many sub-plots. . .the main character(s) and many other characters. . .and a revealing at the end of “who done it”. . .so does Jesus’ “murder mystery” have the same. But, praise God, no longer do we need to live in fearful suspense—for in Him we already know how it turns out.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated October 20, 2009
