The Riches of His Grace

 

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7-10 ESV).

 

It is not often that I am writing so close to actual publication; however, today is actually New Year’s Day. We are planning a late lunch with Kyle, Brandy, Faith, and Logan and I am smoking some pork tenderloin. I’ve discovered the ease of smoking with my Weber Kettle Grill. I hope it will be as good as the turkey I did for Thanksgiving. Since I’ve got a bit of time between next preparations I decided to write a bit. Writing is my favorite pastimes. I love to be in the shop creating something from wood; and, I always enjoy being outdoors hunting or fishing, though that’s more of a rarity these days. I’ve grown not to trust myself to be alone in the woods and the schedules of others are complicated enough that I haven’t imposed on their time to “baby-sit” and old man.

 

At any rate, I am drawn to a specific phrase today from our reading: “… according to the riches of His grace” (v. 7). I have heard many talk about God’s riches in reference to His glory; however, the Apostle Paul specifically using God’s “grace” to describe the riches of God. This took me back to some of the sunsets I have experienced in the Smoky Mountains (pictured). “Grace” is a word that means “unmerited favor.” It is the ultimate get-one-free in life. Mary and I have been on the loop in Cades Cove many times. If you’ve been there, you will recognize the spot from which this photo was taken. It is from the east side of the loop looking across the cove with the mountains as a backdrop for the sun to set behind them creating a magnificent display of color.

 

Here’s the point. We just happened to be at that place, at that time, and were given that sight. We didn’t do anything to earn it, or deserve it. Even if we had tried, we couldn’t have reproduced the beauty of that moment. It was a gift from the One who creates every sunset. The apostle says, “… he lavished” this grace upon us bring us redemption (v. 7). The smallest of things… meat to cook, a grill to cook with, mesquite wood to produce a pleasant flavor, herbs and spices, and everything else that I experience in this day is but a gift from our great God. But the greatest of all these gifts is redemption. Death, as awful as the pain for those left behind is nothing to those who go home to an eternal life of God’s grace! Hide that in your heart and ponder it through this new year!