Made Alive, Be an Example

^{Ephesians 2:1-7}

¹ Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.

 

² You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.  He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.

 ³ 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.

 ⁴ But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,

 ⁵ 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!) 

⁶ For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

 ⁷ So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.

I was dead because of my sin.  But God...God gave me a wealth of mercy, love, grace and kindness by raising me from the dead with Jesus!  God united me with Jesus.  Now I must be an example of His mercy, love, grace and kindness!  I must be an example of what God has done for me.  God is pointing people toward me so that I can show them His love and kindness.  Do I see the ones He is sending?  Do I recognize them.  Am I an example of mercy and grace? 

Father,

Thank you for raising me from the dead!  Thank you that you have united me with Jesus, your holy Son!  Thank you for loving me and showering me with mercy, grace and kindness.  Open the eyes of my heart to see the ones you are pointing towards me.  I pray that I would be a true living example of who You are and what You have done for me.   Amen.