Date: April 27, 2013
Passage: Ephesians 2
Scripture:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." verses 4-7
Observation:
God - the creator, ruler, ordainer, and controller of everything - simply because of His great love for us, has provided a way for us to be raised up from our filthy, despicable, sinful state, and made us able (through the salvation paid for by His Son) to one day sit in Heaven in His pure and holy presence, and enjoy all it's beauty and wonder and pleasure; that in the ages to come, He can always be showing us more of the unending riches of His grace and kindness to us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Application:
I was reading Ephesians 2 one morning this past week, and suddenly that beautiful phrase stopped me dead cold. That in the ages to come...
How often I sigh because of happinesses that have not lasted. For example, hobbies that must be set aside for work, favorite seasons that fade to the next one, a good book that comes to an end. But mostly things like, those I love that are no longer near me, friendships that lose their closness of fellowship because of distance, people that change, and memories of good times that are no more.
That in the ages to come...
What a beautiful, beautiful phrase. Because of the unbelieveable mercy and kindess of the one true God, those that are His will have ages ahead of them to enjoy all that is pure and right and good and noble and true. Separation from the ones we love will be non-existent. Music will be so exquisite that it would probably kill us if we heard it here on earth in our weak human state. Learning will be enjoyable, because we will be learning more of the only One Who is worthy - the One Who makes anything good on earth or in Heaven worth wanting. The sights and beauties will be such as we never saw in the most amazing art or the most stunning view on earth. And our hearts will be pure, and we will be able - and will, with all our might - worship the great I Am with all the glory He deserves.
And there will be ages of it.
Prayer:
"Lord, help me keep in perspective the 'ages to come'. Help me to enjoy what You have blessed me with here on this earth, but not mourn so strongly when it is no longer here - after all, the world is inherently temporary, but what matters most will one day belong to Your children forever. Help me to remember the ages of joy to come!"
No comments:
Post a Comment