Detours

Ephesians 3:1-13

When building the new interchange between I- 40 and I-25 in Albuquerque, it was necessary to build various temporary lanes and on and off ramps. Where it was possible, these temporary constructions were designed to be incorporated into the final design with minimal reconstruction. In the finished design, traffic sometimes flowed in different directions from that in the temporary use.

To prevent confusion, permanent lane markings and signs could not be installed until the temporary routing was no longer necessary. Temporary markings and signs were installed to direct traffic until the project was completed. The temporary markings and signs do not indicate changes in planning, but incomplete construction. When the project was completed and the permanent signs and markings installed, people who used the interchange during construction had to follow the new markings to avoid accidents. They could not continue the way they had in the past.

The old Testament Law was like that system of temporary lanes and ramps. Salvation was not complete, although the plan had been established before the creation of the world, as Ephesians 1:4 tells us. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:” The design was complete, but the actions were not, and a temporary means of dealing with sin was required. Galatians 3:19 explains both the reason for the law and it’s temporary nature. “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”

To have installed permanent signs and markings when the roads did not exist would have caused confusion, frustration, and accidents. To have demanded salvation without the way established would have caused greater confusion and left those affected without hope. Like a temporary lane, the law enabled people to get to where they could get salvation, though it didn’t get there itself.

Paul‘s message is like the new signs and markings along the finished interchange. They show us exactly how to get where we want to go in a direct manner. We no longer have to follow the temporary route, but can go directly to our destination. Information is available that didn’t apply to the temporary route.

“For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.” (Ephesians 3:1-7)

It was not understood by people before that salvation did not come by keeping the law. It was only a detour that would allow the traveler to eventually get there. As such, like any detour, it would take him through things that the traveler has little interest in. God’s plan was for salvation through faith in Christ. Once the work was completed, the actions of the law would no longer be necessary, and the Jews would no longer have the advantage in having the law. They would become like the people living on the detour when the main road re-opens.

“Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.” (Ephesians 3:8-12)

The signs marking the permanent route present extra information and are located to be easily seen by people unfamiliar with the area, to inform them of what they need to do to get where they desire to go. Those who have businesses along the detour may resent the new signs because they no longer direct traffic to their door, leading to persecution. Don’t get turned off the main road and get lost just because others want you to take the detour.

“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” (Ephesians 3:13)