Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. ( Ephesians 1:3-6)
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavishes on us. 1:7-8a
I know it is a small addition to the text from yesterday but it is part of a wonderful vision. Redemption ( that is being bought back...rescued...reestablished) and forgiveness are gifts that are given not as we deserve. Rather, they are dumped upon us as freely as water poured from a vessel into the baptismal font...or Gatorade from a cooler onto the head of a victorious football coach. What makes the image more powerful is the fact that it all comes from God's grace...the riches of God's grace...riches that are inexhaustible. I don't often hear the word "lavishes." There's a great ring to it. My first image is that of thick pudding frosting on a cake. It needs to be thick and it is best when the cake maker tries to see how much can be spread between the two layers and then again on top. Ahhh!
Connection: What kind of a day can this be when we see it as a time in which the gracious love of God is lavishly poured out upon us!?!
Lord of Life and Inspiring Spirit, keep us ever mindful of the wonder of your love. A love that can profoundly change the way we view ourselves and our world. A love that never lets us go and a love that keeps us ever connected to others. Come, Holy Spirit, inspire our living. Amen
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