Manifold Wisdom

"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 3:10

We don't often use the word, 'manifold.' The use of the word is often limited to mechanics and plumbers. 'Manifold' means, "A whole composed of diverse elements."* In this scripture, it is speaking of the diverse elements of God's wisdom being made known through the church. We are all a part of the manifold wisdom of God. I have developed my own definition of this phrase; Manifold wisdom is wisdom upon wisdom, upon wisdom, upon wisdom. It is so multi-dimensional, that we cannot fathom the wisdom of God. Yet he has chosen to make his wisdom known through us. And this, not just to people, but to rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. This means that every ruler in Satan's kingdom is being taught the manifold wisdom of God through you and me.
    There is another incredible truth in which we can apply the word 'manifold.' The Old Testaments prophets wrote many prophesies that applied to future events that happened within their lifetimes or shortly beyond. Many of these had to do with the transition of kingdoms and nations. God would reveal the word, the prophet would announce it, and it would happen. But the prophesies don't end there. Those words continue to be alive, applying to generations that follow the days of the original words. Many Old Testament prophesies were quoted by the apostles and leaders of the early church. They recognized that these words were still alive and happening in their lifetimes and their circumstances.
    The prophet Habakkuk prophesied this: "Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am about to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you." (Habakkuk 1:5). The apostle Paul quoted this same prophesy to Jewish religious leaders in Acts 13:41. He used the scripture to make his case that Jesus was indeed the Christ.
    The prophetic words written in the Bible are not just for bible times. They are for today. We are not misinterpreting scripture when we read a word of prophecy from the Old Testament and then apply it to our personal lives or situations. This is because the prophesies reflect the manifold wisdom of God to touch many people in many different situations. His Word is alive! It applies now as much as it did thousands of years ago. The Holy Spirit takes the words written and presses them into our spirits. And we are changed by the power of the manifold wisdom of God. When we are changed, that manifold wisdom is made known to people and spiritual rulers.
   We all express God's incredible wisdom through our lives. Hear the words of God, take them to heart, allow them to change you, and proclaim his manifold wisdom!

*The Free Dictionary by Farlex