Ephesians 2.4–9
4 But God, being rich in mercy,
because of the great love
with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses,
made us alive together with Christ
—by grace you have been saved—
6 and raised us up with him
and seated us with him
in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus….
8 For by grace you have been
saved through faith.
And this is not your own doing;
it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works,
so that no one may boast.
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God doesn’t only reveal Himself, but also takes the initiative in pursuing me. As we read in previous devotions, the bad news is we have sinned against God, and so therefore we are separated from Him, dead in our sins. Though outwardly alive, inwardly we are dead.
I might think of salvation in the same way I might think of myself as drowning, but being saved by a lifeguard who stretches out his hand and grabs onto mine as I reach for his. But this isn’t what the Word portrays. Instead, I recognize that I was not drowning, but was already drowned and lifeless at the bottom of the sea, dead because of sin. But God Himself dives into the depths of the sea, swims to the bottom, grabs me and pulls the dead weight of my lifeless body to the surface and breathing new life into me.
Without His pursuit, I was left for dead. Just as Lazarus had no power to call himself out of his physical grave (John 11.38-44), I have no ability to call myself out of my spiritual grave. As an enemy who sinned against Him, He was under no obligation to rescue me. In fact, it would have been good justice to leave me in the consequences of my sin, yet He did the unimaginable and He pursued me, His own enemy.
The resurrection
of Jesus Christ
is the most important event
of human history.
But the incarnation
of Jesus Christ
is the most implausible.
That an almighty and holy God
would become a baby
for the sake of sinners is,
ultimately, wonderfully beyond
our comprehension.
Left to myself, I’d still be wandering aimlessly, alive on the outside, but truly a walking dead man. I’d have no hope for salvation, as my eyes were blind, darkened by my own sin and arrogance. It is only by His pursuing grace that I am, today, a born again child of God.
What incredible Good News it is that God pursued me! Oh, if this were not true, I never would have been made alive and saved! I thank God for this shocking reality in my life!
Read Again Out Loud and Make it into a Prayer:
Ephesians 2.4–9
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How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
Stuart Townend
Personalize and Read or Pray Aloud:
How deep the Father’s love for us;
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son;
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss;
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One;
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon the cross;
My sin upon His shoulder
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice;
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there;
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life;
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything;
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ;
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart;
His wounds have paid my ransom
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Pray Aloud:
Father in Heaven,
I thank You that You have adopted me
and You call me Yours.
I am asking You to cause Your Name
to be magnified in __________,
and that this would transform ________,
causing Your will to be done in their life.
Give ______ truth that they need today,
that Your Spirit would bring
Your promises to mind,
helping _______ to repent of sin.
Lead _______ heart away from temptation,
but instead be led by Your Spirit
towards the love of Jesus.
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