* Jesus Showed Us the Wealth of God’s Love and Grace

One will scarcely die for a righteous person—
though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.-- Romans 5:7-8

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
That whoever believes in Him should not perish
but have eternal life.-- John 3:16

In him we have redemption through His blood,
the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to
the riches of His grace.-- Ephesians 1:7

The measure of God’s love for us is shown by two things. One is the degree of His sacrifice in saving us from the penalty of our sin. The other is the degree of unworthiness that we had when He saved us. We can hear the measure of His sacrifice in the words, “He gave his only son” (John 3:16).

We also hear it in the word Christ. This is a name based on the Greek title Christos, or “Anointed One,” or “Messiah.” It is a term of great dignity. The Messiah was to be the King of Israel. He would conquer the Romans and bring peace and security to Israel. Thus the person whom God sent to save sinners was His own divine Son, His only Son, and the Anointed King of Israel—indeed the king of the world (Isaiah 9:6-7).

When we add to this consideration the horrific death by crucifixion that Christ endured, it becomes clear that the sacrifice the Father and the Son made was indescribably great—even infinite, when you consider the distance between the divine and the human.

But God chose to make this sacrifice to save us.

The measure of His love for us increases still more when we consider our unworthiness. “Perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”(Romans 5:7-8). We deserved divine punishment, not divine sacrifice.

It has been said, “God didn’t die for frogs. So he was responding to our value as humans.” This turns grace on its head. We are worse of than frogs. They have not sinned. They have not rebelled and treated God with the contempt of being inconsequential in their lives. God did not have to die for frogs. They aren’t bad enough. We are. Our debt is so great, only a divine sacrifice could pay it.

There is only one explanation for God’s sacrifice for us. It is not us. It is “the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). It is all free. It is not a response to our worth. It is the overflow of His infinite worth. In fact, that is what divine love is in the end: a passion to enthrall undeserving sinners, at great cost, with what will make us supremely happy forever, namely, His infinite beauty.

Thank God for the measure of His love. When we think of the “love of God” do we see the depth of His sacrifice towards us? Do we appreciate it? If not, why not? The very fact that we many times do not appreciate God’s love is yet again proof of our selfishness. Let us not be guilty of degrading the work of Christ and His sacrifice on our behalf. It truly is amazing grace.

In order to draw closer to God it is important to honestly ask yourself these questions;
* When you read this devotion, what happened inside of you?
* Did anything make sense?

Listen to the Holy Spirit today. Don't ignore Him. If your heart is cold and your understanding limited, seek after Him. Search your heart. Ask God to reveal to you His amazing grace. Be willing to understand in your heart why Jesus died for you. Are you willing to set aside any encumbrance that is blocking you from God? Life is a vapor. Don't tempt fate.

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that's where life starts.
Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.

Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions.
Watch your step,
and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
Look neither right nor left;
leave evil in the dust.

Tomorrow: Jesus Showed His Own Love For Us