PASTORS' DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Jun
06
06
Untitled
Rod Shimabukuro
Scripture
"All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)" (Ephesians 2:3-5)
Observation
I think Paul is addressing, in part, a lifestyle for believers in Ephesus to live by. But there's something more important that he wants the former Gentiles to catch. That they are accepted - fully accepted in Christ on the basis of His grace, not their works. Paul is addressing an identity crisis affirming that the Gentile believers are no longer aliens or foreigners to God! Maybe the passionate desires and sinful nature part of us not only refers to "doing wicked things" but "being wicked" in identity.
Application
I know that I will think more deeply and differently having thought through this passage. My sins committed, and more importantly (to me) my sinful nature and being, have been covered by God's mercy and love! I do not have to live by or respond to my evil desires and inclinations but believe and live according to His grace and love. How? Yield more to His thoughts of grace and mercy, than to my evil-ness!
Prayer
Thank you Jesus - for your unending love and mercy, giving me life according to Your resurrection mercy! I'm overwhelmed when I read..."But God who is rich in mercy...!" I love you an will choose to focus on Your love for me!