With more than 70 books to his name, Martin Gardner is the world’s best-known recreational mathematician. His fun mathematical problems and mind-boggling puzzles have likely introduced more people to the joys of math than anyone in history.
Recently, he said, “If you think about it, everything that distinguishes a modern industrial society from the Greek and Roman period is the ability to solve puzzles.”
Unlike math puzzles, scientific discoveries achieved through study, deep concentration, and sudden or gradual insight, biblical puzzles or mysteries can only be answered through God-given revelation.
And no greater revelation has ever been or will ever be given than the solution to the problem of sin. Paul wrote, “God has now revealed to us His mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill His own good pleasure. And this is the plan: At the right time He will bring everything together under the authority of Christ— everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 1:9-10).
The book of Ephesians vividly expresses God’s cosmic plan of salvation, and His plan for our daily lives, in a way no human problem-solving capabilities could ever accomplish:
• We were dead in our sins (Ephesians 2:1-3).
• Jesus died for our sins and rose again—showing His power over sin and death (Ephesians 2:4-7).
• By grace we are saved through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:5,8-10).
Today, thank God for revealing His mysterious plan in Jesus—the solution for your sin—so that you might be saved.
More:
• Ephesians 3:2-12
• Colossians 1:25-29
• 1 Timothy 3:16
Next:
What does it mean to you to be “under the authority of Christ” (Ephesians 1:10)? What has God’s mysterious plan taught you about Him?
lindagma on September 10, 2010 at 6:08 am
Worth remembering every morning as we open our eyes to start the day. It becomes easy to be caught up in self and forget that, were it not for God, we would not even be here. Beginning our day with a grateful heart keeps the focus on HIM and not on our own abilities and wants.
mickeymouse on September 10, 2010 at 10:03 am
So very true:
Beginning our morning with a grateful heart. Prayer by Prayer,Thought by Thought readies us for any challenge or adventure we meet the day ahead, with ease and grace. But first we must slow down and meditate on God’s word!!!