Digging Deeper

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. -John 1:14

This week Pastor Darrel used the acronym G.R.A.C.E. – God’s Riches At Christs’ Expense. Let’s unpack that, God’s riches=eternal life. Christ’s expense=the crucifixion. It’s such an amazing thing for me to think about Jesus dying for my sins. Could I die for someone? I’d like to think that I could put my life on the line for my wife or daughter but I’m so selfish I usually put dirty dishes in the sink instead of the dishwasher (it’s true, just ask Jenni). Besides that we’re essentially talking about people who behave badly. Not just loved ones but not so loved ones. Jesus lived His life knowing that it would end in a horrible way and not because of anything He did but because of the things all of us did, our sins. He came into this world, He lived a perfect sinless life, He fought temptation AND WON! He healed people, He brought the dead back to life, He did all these amazing things and then He was killed in spite of it all. Then all we have to do, basically, is accept the fact that He did this for us and we will receive eternal life (God’s riches). In Isaiah 53:5 we learn: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Really? Man, what a deal for us (see there’s that selfish streak again).

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Your son to die for our sins. I pray that we not take this ultimate sacrifice lightly and that we can live by Christs’ example and sacrifice ourselves daily for others. Amen

by Rick Phillips