“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions.”
Ephesians 2:4-5
The last time I was being processed for release from jail, I was given a cold reminder of who I was by an officer who didn’t like me very much. He scrutinized me and said condescendingly,
“You’ll be back here in three days. People like you never change.”
That comment cut me like a dagger. What he was saying was true, statistically. There’s a certain point at which a habitual offender will likely continue the cycle of crime and incarceration, perhaps never changing. Praise be to God, my sin and brokenness did not have the final say in my life. They do not have the final say for yours, either.
Ephesians 2 begins with a sweeping analysis of our condition and prospects with or without God. We were all spiritually dead people, capable only of sin. But God intervened, gave us life, and called us to be trophies of His grace, performing good works that He ordained for us to walk in. There is great joy in knowing that everything we are and everything we have been saved from are a direct result of God’s gift of salvation and new life in Christ.
“You’ll be back here in three days. People like you never change.”
That comment cut me like a dagger. What he was saying was true, statistically. There’s a certain point at which a habitual offender will likely continue the cycle of crime and incarceration, perhaps never changing. Praise be to God, my sin and brokenness did not have the final say in my life. They do not have the final say for yours, either.
Ephesians 2 begins with a sweeping analysis of our condition and prospects with or without God. We were all spiritually dead people, capable only of sin. But God intervened, gave us life, and called us to be trophies of His grace, performing good works that He ordained for us to walk in. There is great joy in knowing that everything we are and everything we have been saved from are a direct result of God’s gift of salvation and new life in Christ.
Scripture Focus
Ephesians 2:1-10
Insight
Lord, I thank You for saving me and giving me new life. Help me to joyfully and gratefully do the works You have created me for. Amen
Bible In A Year
- Leviticus 13
- Psalm 52
- Luke 16