But God

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March 14
Ephesians 2:4–10

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.”

Illustration by Gustave Doré

The love of God is something that is absolutely impossible to wrap our minds around. Yesterday, we reflected on the reality of sin that we face as people in this world. It’s not until we fully recognize our sinful nature that we begin to see God’s love in a greater scale. The Apostle Paul writes to the church of Ephesus who were a group of Christians struggling with unity. Paul is actually in prison during the time of this writing, which makes the book even more powerful and significant, knowing that Paul is in chains, while encouraging Christians to strive for and maintain unity. In the beginning of this chapter, he reminds the church that they were once “dead” in their sins, and they literally had no hope in their current state. The key phrase begins in verse four, as Paul reminds them, “But God…” This is a remarkable miracle, that God came to us, in our current state of sin and depravity, and made a way for us to have life in him. Paul knew that the church needed to hear this truth because it creates the foundation that all Christians need established in their lives in order to be unified.

Every single Christian struggles with the concept and practice of unity. As we are stepping into an anticipation of the Easter season, we must yearn and long for unity. The important thing to consider about unity is that we are unable to maintain it on our own strength. Paul clearly reminds us, that God alone is our unity, and God alone is our salvation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Today, as you pray for and anticipate the cross of Christ, remind yourself that unity is actually an overflow of that cross of Christ. Because Jesus died for us, we can find our unity in that, knowing that we are all “dead in our trespasses and sins,” but God made a way for all of us. Find your unity in him today, and allow his unity in you to be your unity with others!

Reflection

  1. What are some areas in your life that are allowing you to not be unified with others?
  2. How do you think that reflecting on the significance of the cross and God’s love can personally help you in your effort to be unified with others?
  3. Spend some time in prayer, asking the Lord to speak to you in the area of his love creating unity in your life.