Newsletters - Community Protestant Church

April 25- Service

May 2 - Service with Communion

May 9 - Service

May 16 - Service with Communion

May 18 - Session Meeting

May 23 - Service

May 30 - Service; Summer Kick-off Sunday

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4–7 ESV)

I’ve been reflecting on these verses for several weeks, especially the part in bold. It really came into focus for me reading, Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sufferers and Sinners, by Dane Ortlund. Commenting on this phrase he says:

“ What does this mean for those in Christ? It means that one day God is going to walk us through the wardrobe into Narnia, and we will stand there, Paralyzed with joy, wonder, astonishment and relief.

It means that as we stand there, we will never be scolded for the sins of this life, never looked at askance, and never told, “Enjoy this, but remember you don’t deserve this.” The very point of eternity is to enjoy his ‘grace and kindness.’” (p 209)

I have underlined the portion of the quote that stood out to me. Honestly, I have not ever thought about eternity with God in this way. I have found reflecting on this thought to bring me a renewed sense of peace in my relationship with God. It has, also, given me a new sense of anticipation and hope for the future. We live in such a critical world and often we are our own worst critics. We wear ourselves out with guilt, shame and self-condescension. At least, I do and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this experience. But God does not hold me, hold us, in such a harsh and critical light when we are “in Christ”

Maybe though, the most important impact of my reflection, has been on how this understanding of God’s love, grace and kindness might be lived out in my relationship towards others. It means I don’t have to hold on to the failures of others. I can offer love, grace, forgiveness and kindness too, and I should. It means I am free to see the person and not hold their failures against them. It means I can offer acceptance, openness and love and leave the work of transformation in their life in God’s hands.

I hope these thoughts trigger some reflection for all who read this. Let me know what your reflections work in your heart and mind. I would love to hear from you how God might be stirring in your life.