Barbara Elliott
Ephesians 2:4-5
April 6, 2014
But God’s mercy is so abundant and His love for us is so great that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience He brought us to life in Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved.
Imagine Jesus breathing celestial air as He holds His Father’s hand and gazes into the face of God. Imagine Him wearing a brilliant flowing robe and the special ring that signifies He is the Beloved Son. Imagine Jesus joining His Father as they together end earth’s dark and formless void by flinging stars and the sun and moon across the skies. Imagine His joy of separating waters and dry land, and creating fruitful birds, fishes, and animals of all varieties. Imagine the thrill of making brand new beings, man and woman, in His own image. Imagine Jesus walking the holy grounds while talking with heavenly beings - angels and saints such as Moses, Abraham, and Isaac. Why would Jesus ever choose to leave this divine and heavenly place where He, as Son of God, reigned supremely amongst adoring angels and archangels to come to Earth as Servant and Son of Man?
The Bible tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave his only Son” (John 3:16), but we know it was Jesus’ choice, too. Their plan for man’s salvation began soon after Adam and Eve spoiled the Garden of Eden. They watched in dismay as man’s sinful nature covered their perfect creation. The Flood did not stop it. Neither did the fall of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah. They knew that man was sinful by nature and destined to be spiritually dead until he knew the truth of God’s grace and chose to follow Him obediently. Man was given the Law by Moses, but God’s grace and truth was revealed through God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly gave his own life to become the sacrificial Lamb of God.
Think of grace, G-R-A-C-E, as ‘God’s Richest At Christ’s Expense’. There is nothing man can do to earn or repay such an awesome gift. It is unmerited, unsought, and unlimited. God offers this precious gift to all who choose to live a new life following in Christ’s ways. God’s grace promises us hope, forgiveness, and comfort if we turn from our old ways and focus our eyes upon Jesus, the Light of the World. Christ’s light will shine in our hearts, leading us to live as blessed and thankful Children of God, full of hope and confidence in the promise of God’s salvation.
Lord Jesus, help us to focus our hearts on You and live as God’s thankful people, beloved and filled with His Holy promises. AMEN.
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