God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness (v.7). (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Several children and their parents filed into a room in which a neo-natal nurse sat. The kids were carrying pictures of themselves as premature infants—years ago, they had been cared for by the nurse. Before the group surprised her, she had watched a video in which the parents expressed how thankful they were for her role in saving their children’s lives. After the reunion, the nurse remarked, “I love what I do. It’s a ministry for me. I believe God has put me [here] for a purpose, and He has given me a love for these babies and these parents.”
This touching story brought to mind the helpless situation from which God’s love and kindness rescues us. He revives us even when, as Paul put it, we’re dead because of our sin (Ephesians 2:1). We’re desperate, but God knows what’s necessary to make spiritual life possible. Although “by our very nature we were subject to God’s anger” (v.3), God doesn’t respond to us in wrath. He loves us and cares for us. Through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ, we can receive His mercy.
When Paul wrote about these things to the Ephesian believers, he told them, “God can point to us in all future ages as examples of . . . his grace and kindness” (v.7). As we read the Bible today, we can see what Paul meant. We are able to look back on centuries of changed lives and see evidence of God’s kindness. And looking forward, we know that our salvation will also show future generations God’s goodness.
Like the nurse’s compassionate care, God has tended to our souls. He has gently washed away our sins and made new life possible through His Spirit (Titus 3:5).
By: Jennifer Schuldt
Thought
Read 2 Samuel 9:1-11 and consider the way David cared for a person who was physically disabled.
How has God tended to your soul and made you whole? How does God’s kindness to you influence your response to Him and your care of others?
|
|
|
|
