I did not win the mega-millions in the lottery. But I am rich...
I'm thinking back a couple thousand years ago to the events of the last week of Jesus' earthly life. Preparing to celebrate the new life of the resurrection with my church family has my heart leaping with praise and gratitude. But it also has me thinking about the spiritual implications of what Christ has accomplished on my behalf and yours. I think one day when we enter into our eternal home we will be amazed at all the cross has secured for us that our limited understanding could never grasp this side of eternity.
I am struggling today to understand the immense riches that are mine through Christ's completed work.
You see, Easter promises so much more than bunnies, eggs, new clothes and candy or even Heaven as my home. It promises status, access, privilege, and riches... starting here on Earth. It's time to stop surviving the christian life and start luxuriating in it. Look with me at Ephesians Chapter One and let us count the ways God has poured out His blessings on believers, in Christ. Let it sink in like it was the first time you've heard it.
1. We are Saints. This status is based on the great exchange of Christ's life for ours. v.1
2. Grace and Peace are ours. The grace that saves us and empowers us makes peace with God and ends the war on His holiness that our sin created. v.2
3. We have received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. EVERY ONE! God is not a God of the bare minimum. Christ has secured our access to everything that could possibly benefit us in the unseen but very real realm.v.3
4. We were chosen for being made holy and blameless. He chose to buy us back even before the world was created. We shouldn't live like sin is our master. v.4
5. God planned our adoptions. We have all the privileges of sons and daughters of a King. He did this because of the kind intentions of His heart. v. 5
6. Our sins are forgiven. We are redeemed through Jesus' blood and the penalty of our sin fell on Him. v. 7
7. He has lavished us with all wisdom and insight. We have the guidance we need to live our lives according to His plan. v. 8
8. He has made the mysteries of His will accessible to our minds. Our eyes have been opened to things that are spiritually discerned and veiled to unbelievers. v. 9
9. We have an inheritance of riches that is in keeping with the vastness of God's loving character. No child of God is a pauper. v. 11
10. We have hope. In Christ, there is no fear for the future because God is on our side. v. 12
11. We are sealed forever by the Holy Spirit. We are secure in salvation and in victory. v. 13
12. We are God's treasured possession. We are cherished. v. 14
13. Wisdom, revelation, and knowledge are our gift. We can know, understand and apply God's word and thereby please Him and edify our spirits. v. 17
14. We have a calling. Our destiny is so much more than for an earthly impact. Our lives can now bear fruit that impacts eternity. We have a reason for living. v. 18
15. Power is ours that we do not have as humans in our sin. We now have power in accordance with the power of His might. In other words limitless power... The same as the power that raised Christ from the dead. v. 19
This mind blowing chapter ends with the information that Christ has accomplished His mission of providing reconciliation for us and been "seated" on God's right hand and, from there, He is ruling all things seen and unseen forever more.
So how could I be heir to all these riches and still be blue or discontented or cowardly or lazy or intimidated or prideful or fearful or defeated or apathetic to our world's lostness? How can Easter be over in just one day? How can I nod and smile and say "that's cool" about the truths in this chapter and move on to live a life of drudgery and obligation?
My Easter basket is overflowing with all the riches of Heaven and my heart is singing with the praise of a slave set free! He is alive! Let His children rejoice!
Happy Resurrection Day!
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