A Mystery Gift

Have you ever received a gift that was truly a mystery? A gift that completely surprised you?  Most of the time we drop hints or have an idea of what we may be getting so it’s not much of a surprise. But hopefully there have been a few occasions where you were blown away by a surprise gift.  See video –

    The Apostle Paul speaks of such a gift – a mystery.  Today we have 2 verses from 2 different letters, written just a few years apart to 2 distinct churches with a similar theme. This surprise gift Colossians – ^{vs 26} …the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations, But now it has been revealed to his saints,”.  – was so revolutionary, that it turned the world upside down. It was so radical that almost every religious leader of the day rejected it. Paul (formerly known as Saul) himself was persecuting anyone who understood the mystery. Then, Christ revealed Himself to Paul, so then Paul understood this mystery. (Acts 9)

In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells us who most people are that understand this mystery – receive this gift.  ²⁶ For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; ²⁷ but God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world that he might put to shame the things that are strong.

   This gift, the mystery, is a simple but profound truth. Colossians ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to his saints, 27 to whom God was pleased 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.

  This special gift in 7 words – “Christ in you, the hope of glory”. Never before had any religion taught that the Almighty God -Yahweh, could actually inhabit individuals. Religions had previously given us a set of rules so we could please God, but this teaching was extreme. For the first time, weak peasants could access God, not by anything they did but by a simple belief. (John 1:12) They didn’t need to be born into the right family, into the right religion or be something special (in the world’s eyes). Their sinful nature could now be transformed into righteousness, so much so that a Holy Spirit could indwell. This Christ will eventually lead us to eternity in glory – our Hope.

   We are praying that you will open some special gifts on your birthday and that at least 1 will surprise you. There is much joy in receiving an amazing, surprise gift. If you have never experienced this mystery – this special gift from God, please contact us- [email protected]. We would love to share the joy of this mystery with you.

Dave R

’69 / ’83 Quarryville PA