“But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love for us…” Eph. 2:4
Heavenly Father, Eph. 2:4 is a most wonderful, throw-syntax-out-the-window, incomplete sentence—the incomplete sentence that completes us. It affirms three great realities that meet us where we are and 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 interruption, Abba. When you “butt in” it’s always a good thing, a Gospel thing. No matter how desperate our situation, how uncertain our future, or how out-of-control things feel—this incomplete sentence will finish the paragraph, story, and our lives. “But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love for us…”
(2) “Rich in mercy”—this is who you are, Abba: You are “rich in mercy”—not meager, miserly, but generous. This isn’t describing the depth of your pockets, but the essence of your being. We get new mercies every day because you never change.
(3) “Great love for us”—this is how you relate to us, Father: You have “great” love for us—not just love, but great 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). Hallelujah and thank you, Abba.
Though much remains imperfect and incomplete—in us and all around us, we are already perfectly loved “in Christ.” Father, you will complete your good work in us and in the entire cosmos. We trust you to keep on “butting in,” no matter the situation, no matter your timing, no matter how you choose to do so—all the way Home. Hallelujah, and So Very, Very Amen.
