July 22, 2015
Lavishly loved. No other phrase sums it up better. Reading like a love letter, these statements convey the depth of this lavish love: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world … He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself … In Him we have redemption through His blood … the riches of His grace which He lavished on us … He made known to us the mystery of His will … In Him also we have obtained an inheritance … you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance …” (Ephesians 1.3-14)
In short, God is “all in” for us through Jesus Christ, His Son. And, this lavish love compels us to reciprocate. How can we be so lavishly loved and not love in return? Such is the premise for this appeal: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12.1 NKJV) “All in” love and commitment is reasonable.
A defining moment for me, years ago, was a second-hand comment from a church member. This person, anticipating the coming Sunday, wondered what would again be preached about what we weren’t doing right. Instead of conveying a need for each of us to aspire to higher standards in Christian living, the message being received was about our deficiencies. Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, as well as in all his letters, certainly appealed to living the higher standard. But, the basis for that appeal is never better stated than these opening verses in the first chapter of Ephesians. In view of what our Father has done, and is doing for us, in Christ, is it not reasonable to aspire to be “all in” for Him? Lavish love, not guilt, is the basis of appeal.
It’s easy enough for me to urge you (and myself), through these words today, to “do better.” But, taking a cue from Paul, my appeal is to urge you to bask in His lavish love, and then let a deep appreciation of it inspire you to all that He desires. Nothing compels and appeals like His great love. May it wash over you freely today, and inspire your best for the One who has given His best.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
In short, God is “all in” for us through Jesus Christ, His Son. And, this lavish love compels us to reciprocate. How can we be so lavishly loved and not love in return? Such is the premise for this appeal: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12.1 NKJV) “All in” love and commitment is reasonable.
A defining moment for me, years ago, was a second-hand comment from a church member. This person, anticipating the coming Sunday, wondered what would again be preached about what we weren’t doing right. Instead of conveying a need for each of us to aspire to higher standards in Christian living, the message being received was about our deficiencies. Paul, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, as well as in all his letters, certainly appealed to living the higher standard. But, the basis for that appeal is never better stated than these opening verses in the first chapter of Ephesians. In view of what our Father has done, and is doing for us, in Christ, is it not reasonable to aspire to be “all in” for Him? Lavish love, not guilt, is the basis of appeal.
It’s easy enough for me to urge you (and myself), through these words today, to “do better.” But, taking a cue from Paul, my appeal is to urge you to bask in His lavish love, and then let a deep appreciation of it inspire you to all that He desires. Nothing compels and appeals like His great love. May it wash over you freely today, and inspire your best for the One who has given His best.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 9:08 AM
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