Lavished Grace

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV

Paul was deep! His writings reflect a keen mind. He could have fit into any intellectual discussion, probably about any issue. No wonder God wanted Paul to write so much of the New Testament! Sometimes I have to read and reread a passage Paul has written, and without the Holy Spirit’s help, I don’t think I would ever come close to understanding it.

Can I give you my summary of the two verses for today? Here it is: God knew what He was doing! And, He still does!

That’s right. Paul says that we are saved by God’s grace, because of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. Then He goes on to say that God did it in His wisdom and understanding. We were lost and in need of a Savior. God loved us, and recognizing that need, sent His Son to die on our behalf. He extended His grace to us and, when He did, He held nothing back. God gave us His very best when He gave us Jesus!

I like that word “lavished”, because when I read it, I get a visual image. When I eat a baked potato, everyone in my family knows I don’t want a little bit of butter. I want my potato “lavished” with butter, until it is oozing out all over. God doesn’t give us a “little bit of grace”. He lavishes grace on us!

Do you know why God can meet all your needs according to His richness in Christ Jesus? Because, He had advance notice of the outcome, He knows how the story will end, and so He has lavished His grace upon you to meet you at your point of need.

Praise God today that through His wisdom and understanding, He lavishes grace on us through His Son, Jesus Christ!