A Journey Through Ephesians… 3:10-11

God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 3:10-11

THIS is the verse where it ALL came together for me….

GOD’S PURPOSE IN ALL OF THIS…. His purpose in uniting Jews and Gentiles so they share equally in the richness of God’s love…. His purpose for making us all part of the same dwelling where God lives by His spirit…. was NOT only so we could get along, enjoy a cordial meal and have peace within the church.

God’s intent is to display us, His UNITED BRIDE, before all evil powers. To display His wisdom to the “rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

Let’s not mince words… Who are these rulers and authorities?

Well, the mention of “heavenly places” can really only include those in the spiritual realm – God (Father, Son, and Spirit), holy angels, Satan, and demons. Since the focus is on “revelation,” and God already knows all the things, Paul is obviously speaking of angels (both loyal and fallen) and demons. 

Rulers (archē): angels and demons.

Yep.

So if you believe in demons or not is really irrelevant. Because it is true. Right there in black and white.

I think we all love a good Ephesians 6:10-18 prayer covering in God’s armor, right? Well THIS is who we are protecting ourselves from…. the same “rulers and authorities” mentioned in 6:12. Go peek… you will see what I mean. These aren’t little nuisances trying to aggravate us in traffic, either. These are calamitous and hurtful powers that HATE God and all His children.

I see now why the enemy is so dead set to plot us against one another. It goes after God’s core intention and purpose. Our peace and unity is SO important, friends. THIS is just ONE MORE REASON we should be seeking PEACE within the body instead of stonewalling, canceling and stirring strife.

I have been studying Psalm 34 recently and look at verse 14…. “turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it.”

Pursue (rāḏap̄): run after, chase after, attend closely upon, aim to secure, to pursue ardently, aim eagerly to secure

Even David, not fully understanding the big picture explained by Paul, UNDERSTOOD the importance of pursuing peace.

It’s important. And its important because IT IS KINGDOM BIG.

I recently came across this prayer written by Catholic Priest Matthew Guckin. I will leave it here just incase you need it today…. Friends, I am learning so much… and I see the big picture today. Peace within the Body is a weapon against the evil one and a flex of God’s infinite wisdom. Let’s die to ourselves, seek peace and aim to secure it.

Litany of Peace

From the desire to control … Deliver me, Lord Jesus

From the desire to give my opinion … Deliver me, Lord Jesus

From the desire to project myself as the victim … 

From the desire to impress others …

From the desire to please everyone …

From the tendency to complain …

From all my irrational fears …

From all violent speech …

From failing to accept uncertainty …

From comparing myself to others …

From not accepting my limitations … 

From an unhealthy desire for perfection …

From an unhealthy attachment to others …

From excessive self-blame …

From holding on to grudges …

From holding on to the past …

From wanting more than I need …

From the impulse to justify myself …

From worrying about the future …

From thinking only about myself … 

From losing perspective on life … 

From not being able to laugh at myself … 

From not being able to forgive myself …

From over analyzing the intentions of others … 

From the desire to change others …

From thoughts that this world is all there is …

From failing to trust in God …

From failing to see God in all things …

Peace Prayer:

God of peace, calm me and heal me. 

Let Your peace reign in my heart at this very moment and for all eternity. 

We make our prayer in the Name of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. Amen. 

– by Fr. Matthew Guckin