June 11, 2026 | Be Connected
The Manifold Wisdom of God
Scripture: Ephesians 3:7-13(NIV)
7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
Devotional
Earlier in this chapter, Paul spoke about “the administration of God’s grace” (v. 2), and here he mentions “the administration of this mystery” (v. 9). In other words, God’s wisdom and purposes are mysterious and eternal. Now they have been revealed through Jesus Christ. It is up to the church to administer this truth to the world.
Think about it. The church is simply the people of God. The Lord puts trust in us to reveal God’s plan of salvation to the world. Wow!
The founder of Methodism was a man named John Wesley. He lived in England in the eighteenth century. As an Anglican clergyman, he was searching for ways to motivate people beyond their tepid affiliation to Christianity. So, he instituted a disciplined approach to Bible study, prayer, and works of service.
Other religious leaders made fun of Wesley and his “Holy Club” adherents. Since his approach to living out the Christian faith was so methodical, others gave them a derogatory nickname: “Methodists.” The name stuck, and here we are today.
Wesley was on to something. It takes methodical diligence to carry out the administration of God’s grace and mystery in Christ. We must search the Scripture. We must be committed to prayer. We must join together for worship and fellowship and study. We must work together in service and mission. Together, we can better understand the “manifold wisdom of God” as revealed in the Word of God and through the Son of God.
Perhaps you are reading this today and have become a bit lackadaisical in your approach to your faith. Maybe it’s time to become a “Methodist.” Not in name only or by membership, but by reputation. Perhaps it’s time to commit yourself to a methodical, diligent approach to your faith.
Just imagine what nickname others will give you when you become a true Methodist!
