“But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love for us…” Eph. 2:4
Dear Jesus, Ephesians 2:4 is the incomplete sentence that will completes us. It affirms three great realities that meet us where we are and will take us where only you can.
(1) “But God” claims all of our challenges, crises, and crucibles until heaven. You are the great interrupter, and grace is the great interruption. When you “butt in” it’s always timely, appropriate, with a beautiful outcome in mind. I’ve listened to Michael W Smith sing this 987 times (at least) is the past two years—because I’ve needed to hear it and believe it:
“Even when I don’t see it, You’re workin’. Even when I don’t feel it, You’re workin’. You never stop, You never stop workin’”—in all things for our good, and your glory. Jesus, you’re even more than a “Waymaker,” you are the only “Everything-Changer.” Nothing and no one is beyond the reach of your grace.
(2) “Rich in mercy”—this is who you are, Jesus: You are “rich”—not meager, mercurial, or miserly, but over-the-top generous. We’ don’t have a present family scenario, dire straight, stuck relationship, health crisis, haunting regret, or “impossibility” that is too old, too hard, or too anything for you, Jesus. This was made current, precious, and real to me yesterday—fishing with my daughter, grandson, and two very dear friends in the Gulf of Mexico, America, and Mississippi. Jesus, you use fishing a lot in the stories you write. Thank you.
(3) “Great love for us”—this is the whole Gospel-enchilada, grace-garden, and never-ending-reality. Because of what you’ve done for us, Jesus, you have “great” love for us—not “just” love, but humongous, ginormous love for us. Your love is lavish (1Jn.3:1), never-ending (Lam.3:22-23), unfathomable and multi-dimensional (Eph3:18-19), protective (Ps.5:11-12), forgiving and full of grace (Neh.9:17). Jesus, keep “butting in” all the way Home. So Very Amen.