God’s Grace
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Ephesians 2: 4-5
Perhaps the following scenario sounds familiar to you. You are driving down the road one day when you see a friend driving towards you. With a big smile on your face you waive to your friend as their car draws near. To your surprise, this friend drives right past you without any response. Your friend is so focused on their driving that they completely miss the fact that you are trying to get their attention. And, so you and your friend pass each other like ships in the night.
Spiritually speaking, I think everyone has been or is like the friend in this story. Firmly focused on “following the course of this world” they miss or openly ignore God’s attempts to get them to change course. Paul highlights the gravity of their situation by stating that the course they are following leads to destruction.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. (Ephesians 2:2-3).
Think back to the opening scenario and consider how the situation would change if you recognize your friend is in danger and you knew they do not realize it? Would you act decisively on your friend’s behalf? Thankfully, God found our situation so unacceptable that he did act decisively on our behalf – even though he owed us nothing. The phrase “but God”, while simple, conveys the decisive nature of God’s action. God acted because he is “rich in mercy” and love for people (Ephesians 2:4-5)
The sheer magnitude of this mercy and love demands a response. Surrendering ourselves daily to Christ in a spirit of thanksgiving is the correct response. When we do this, God re-directs the course of our lives according to the “immeasurable riches of his grace” so that – together with Christ – he can use those he rescues as witnesses to others who are similarly on the path to destruction. God acted decisively for you, will you respond decisively to him today?
Today remember God’s love and his grace through Christ. Let this create a thankful heart with joy that you can reflect to others. Respond to God by following the Spirit with your thoughts, words, and actions. Experience a blessed day with peace and joy walking in Godly wisdom.
Prayer: Lord help me to have a thankful loving heart that is surrendered to your good pleasing and perfect will. Thank you for your grace and love; and for your desire to guide me through every detail of my life. In Jesus name, Amen
Scott