The Mystery for All the World

Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:25–27

I once served as a pastor in a community that had a large Hispanic population. I spent some time knocking on doors in that neighborhood and inviting them to our church. During that time I became friends with a Hispanic man, and several times he accompanied me on my door-to-door visits as a translator.

One day I expressed my frustration to him that none of the people we contacted ever attended services at our church. He said to me, “Pastor, you have to understand that it will be very difficult for a Hispanic person to have the courage to walk into an all-white church. You are going to have to take the gospel to them first before they will come to you!”

He spoke those words many years ago, but I have often thought of them.

Paul said, “The message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith.”

It is easy for us to say, “We want all people to be saved!” But we don’t always fully comprehend the effort it takes for us to proclaim this “mystery,” that is, to proclaim the message of Christ’s birth to people who may be different than us.

Tonight you will worship the newborn child and rejoice that he died for you, to wash away your sin. On your way home from Christmas Eve worship, you will drive past many homes and neighborhoods.

Pray that Jesus uses you so that this mystery might be revealed to them as well!

Jesus, forgive me for the times I have failed to feel compassion for those who might be different than me. Give me courage so that through me this marvelous mystery of Christ’s birth and forgiveness might be revealed to them. Amen.

Rev. Joel Thomford serves Martin Luther College
as an admissions counselor.