Verse of the Day 2/28
Ephesians 2:4-5 But[a] 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— English Standard Version (ESV)
In yesterday's post from Ephesians 3:17-18 we considered "how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is the love of Christ". If you were to use one word to describe this love you might some it up as we read in today's verse, also written by Paul in Ephesians 2 where he writes of Jesus' "great" love.
John Piper writes, "This is the only place where Paul uses this wonderful phrase "great love." And it is better than an angel's voice. If you have seen Jesus as true and received him as your supreme treasure, that is, if you are "alive," you are greatly loved. Greatly loved by the Creator of the universe. Just think of it! Greatly loved!"
Francis Chan gives us something to think about as to what to do with this love that Paul, the Apostles and disciples experienced when he writes, "you have the opportunity to know Jesus Christ today because His disciples were captivated by Him, so much so that they shared His truth with others. And that truth crossed borders, transcended languages, and traveled across oceans to reach you, all because of people who believed in the need to tell others about this Jesus."
In closing, I'll go back to one of the words from yesterday's verses, deep. I was reminded of the following song "How Deep the Father's Love For Us" by Stuart Townsend. The last stanza says "I will boast in Jesus Christ". Because of the great, the deep deep love of Christ may we too be willing to boast, to tell others of Jesus. Read the lyrics and also the passage from Ephesians 2 giving us more reasons to boast. We were dead but now are alive in Christ.
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To 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 a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
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.
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Ephesians 2:1-7 The Passion Translation (TPT)
God's Power Raised Us from the Dead
2 And his fullness fills you, even though you were once like corpses,[a]dead in your sins and offenses. 2 It wasn't that long ago that you lived in the religion, customs, and values[b] of this world,[c] obeying the dark ruler of the earthly realm who fills the atmosphere with his authority, and works diligently in the hearts of those who are disobedient to the truth of God. 3 The corruption that was in us from birth was expressed through the deeds and desires of our self - life. We lived by whatever natural cravings and thoughts our minds dictated, living as rebellious children subject to God's wrath like everyone else.
4 But God still loved us with such great love. He is so rich in compassion and mercy. 5 Even when we were dead and doomed in our many sins, he united us into the very life of Christ and saved us by his wonderful grace! 6 He raised us up with Christ the exalted One, and we ascended with him into the glorious perfection and authority of the heavenly realm, for we are now co-seated[d] as one with Christ!
7 Throughout the coming ages[e] we will be the visible display of the infinite, limitless riches of his grace and kindness, which was showered upon us in Jesus Christ.
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