The Lavishness of Grace
(NIV) Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment —to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
Can we take a few minutes to look at a few of the words Paul used in this scripture?
Redemption: Deliverance, buy back
Forgiveness: Pardon, exoneration
Lavished: sumptuous, generous
Paul tells the church at Ephesus that through Jesus’ blood, we have been bought back so that our sins no longer define us and we are not under the penalty of sin. God has pardoned us because of Grace, the unmerited favor that is only available through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. What is the penalty of sin? Separation from God and death.
But look at what else Paul says. He says that Jesus has lavished God’s grace upon us. He has been generous, pouring out the sumptuous or luxurious grace that comes only through God. Can I tell you no one has ever lavished anything upon me—not love, nor praise nor anything. Only Jesus. Paul said that Jesus was the mystery revealed to the Christ-followers. What a wonderful revelation of who Jesus is and who we are in Him.
And I have to say I have read this scripture countless times, but I don’t ever recall seeing the word “lavish” before. Of course, for years I read only the King James Bible and the word used there is abounded. But I have been in different translations for almost thirty years (NIV and NRSV) and the word “lavish” appears in both. It is one of the great mysteries of our faith that the Holy Spirit shines the light of truth upon the Word at the exact moment we need it. I needed to hear about the lavishness of God’s Grace today.
May each of us continue to seek after Jesus with our whole hearts, knowing that regardless of where we are, Jesus will hold us closely.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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