Consider the direction of God’s plans. He owns and runs everything.8 All of creation is spread out beneath Him. He can focus His attention anywhere He pleases. In such a vast universe, we are surprised that God even notices us.9 Yet Ephesians shows God, from eternity, focusing on us! In much of Paul’s writing, the “us” or “we” are the family of God, also called “the church.” We may not think much of ourselves, but in God’s mind this church is the masterpiece of His “eternal purpose.”10
… so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord… (Ephesians 3:10-11).
Since God focuses on us, the angels also eagerly watch.11 God displays His church especially to “the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.” We would marvel to see them; but they also marvel to see us. For in this family of God shine and sparkle the most brilliant facets of God’s “manifold wisdom.” These things that God foresaw long ago, He has now “accomplished in Christ.”
What is the result of seeing God’s wisdom and power at work? God receives greater glory. This has been the purpose of the church from its first day. Ephesians 1:11-12 says that God predestined “so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory.” We who have been “adopted as His sons” especially lift up our grateful hearts “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).12
8. Ephesians 1:22; Acts 17:24-28; 1 Corinthians 10:26; Colossians 1:17; Hebrews 1:3; Revelation 4:11
10. See Study Note Five: The Family Foretold.
11. 1 Corinthians 4:9; 11:10; 1 Timothy 3:16; 5:21; Hebrews 1:14; 12:22; 1 Peter 1:12
12. Research subject – Praise: Acts 2:43-47; 16:25; Ephesians 1:3,6,12,14; 3:21; Romans 11:36; 15:7,9,11; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 4:15; 9:13; Galatians 1:24; Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:9; 4:11,16; Revelation 7:9-10