Mystery revealed
Colossians 1:26 -27 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
A biblical mystery is a sacred secret kept from the people of the Old Testament. The mystery that the apostle Paul is speaking of here is God reaching out to the Gentiles and not reserving His kingdom for only the Jews as they believed. This was the breaking down of the division between Jew & Greek, and the availability alike to everyone who heard the Gospel preached and heard. This continues today in an open call to everyone who will accept God’s grace. Their is no exclusivity nor sin, that a humble repentant heart cannot be forgiven.
There are those around us that seem different. It is a mystery to us why they have the outlook on life they do. They handle themselves and life’s situations differently. They seem to possess something, but yet we do not know what it is. Many times it is Christ; “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” That is the life application of the phrase, “You may be the only Bible someone ever reads” comes into practice. They watch and want to know what you possess that they do not have. In that moment God has opened the door for you and them; for you to share your faith and hope in an eternal Savior. He has used you to help solve a mystery.
The hope that we possess, is the mechanics of our inner soul. That hope’s work is the Spirit living in us, striving to make us more like Christ. The inner work when we walk a life of obedience is a life transformed and reflective on the outer shell to others. Romans speaks well of that summary of a life as a disciple of Christ. Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Let it be known to those whom you influence of the mystery of the hope that resides in you. We live in a world full of disappointment, and we all need the eternal hope that never fails.