How Beautiful

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. 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, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the Church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that He has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in Him. So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.

Ephesians 3:7-13

A friend’s husband affectionately refers to the month of May as “Recital Season”. Isn’t that so true! Whether it be a musical or a dance presentation, we all gather at our respective venues to watch and listen to our loved ones demonstrate what they learned in their artistic endeavor over the past year.  And as the dutiful aunt I strive to be, I made the trek down always congested Interstate 30 to Greenville, Texas. I traveled to hear my nephews play their memorized piano pieces. The piano recital was held in the very church building in which I was raised; the one I came to saving faith in when I was 10 years old. So many sweet memories. Remarkably, the pews are the same, the pulpit and carpet all the same, the marbled foyer flooring; all unchanged. I wonder why it all seems so much smaller now as an adult? 

As the recital started, the audience was seated behind the 20 some-odd piano students, each nervously awaiting their time to perform. Their teacher, Miss Maggie, introduced each of her beloved students by name, assisting them if necessary. What a wide variety of students. All ages, from 6 years old to 60 plus years, were represented. A plethora of abilities, talents, races, economic status, education and mental acuity all performed beautifully for us that warm May afternoon. Two of the male pupils were graduating from high school and Miss Maggie told us she would miss them. Both boys studied with her for many years; each had a beautiful musical talent though their struggle with severe autism was apparent. Her devotion to all her piano students seemed pure and selfless. 

To close out the recital, Miss Maggie gave her audience a glimpse into her calling. She said that she knew she had a gift from God to play the piano at a very young age and prayed that the Lord would use her. When she was 10 years old, she got her very first paying job playing piano at a small church for $3 a week.  She was thrilled with her church role and went on to develop her musical skills into her adulthood. Now, years later, as a septuagenarian, Miss Maggie continues to play the piano at her home church each Sunday in Greenville and cultivates a love for the piano in her students throughout the week. Miss Maggie’s voice cracked with emotion as she thanked God for giving her such wonderful ways to share Christ with others through the ability God gave her. She sees it all as a beautiful gift of God’s grace.

As we consider this week’s passage of scripture the Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, we get a glimpse into the great calling Paul has on his life from God to be the apostle to the Gentiles. Lest we be tempted to think Paul is being a little self-centered to speak of himself here, we need to know that it’s been 10 years since he has seen the members of this church and there has been presumably many more converts added to this church. Moreover, the letter to the Ephesians was passed around to be read and used by God to teach His truths both during that time and amazingly, to us today, over 2000 years later. Paul wants us to know he is humbled by the task God called him to, committed to preaching the gospel, and helping shape the church into a body of believers to the world and even to angels. 

As Paul Goebel pointed out in his sermon on Sunday, the word “gospel” is often tossed around without much consideration as to what it means. The definition of “gospel” is given in Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.”  The Apostle Paul refers to himself as a minister in 3:7, that word in Greek means servant. He has been called by God’s grace to spend his life sharing this mystery. This mystery that is no longer unclear but clearly known —the gift of salvation is available to all. Paul recognized this calling meant that his life was not his own, he had been bought with a price, redeemed by the perfect sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross. Likewise, we too, members of Christ’s church, receive the gift of the gospel to share with others. We share it wherever God sends us. Learning to live our lives as “not I, but Christ” is a lifelong journey dependent upon God’s amazing grace. And, oh, what a privilege!

Paul expounds upon the purpose of the church by saying its diverse composition, with all kinds of people gathered, displays the manifold wisdom of God. This means “many-sided” or “many-colored.”  How beautiful is the body of Christ as we walk in the good works God planned ahead of time (Ephesians 2:10). We walk with our different stories of rescuing grace and with various spiritual gifts and unique abilities. So beautiful that God puts the church on display to the world around us and to the angels, who reign in the heavens above. It’s as though Christ is saying, “Look, this is my beloved bride, have you ever seen anything so gorgeous and amazing?”  Paul ends by encouraging his readers not to be discouraged by his imprisonment or his suffering. The mystery of the gospel gives us the gift to boldly and confidently come to God with our needs and desires. It is by these things the wisdom of God is on display to the world and even to angels!  

No wonder, the little piano recital in Greenville and the testimony of their teacher, Miss Maggie, moved my heart so much. The gospel of Jesus Christ was on display! And oh, how beautiful it is to behold!