showing our riches

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Ephesians 2:1-10
Mark 1:29-45

so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:7)

I wonder whether this verse means that God raised us up when we were dead in trespasses and sins, by his grace, to show to us in the coming ages the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness, or to show to some others his grace and kindness toward us. In other words, he has already shown it to us, we believe it, rejoice in, and live to the praise of his glory. Either we will continue to need the encouragement, for example, or perhaps, even our gracious redemption is a part of a bigger plan of God (eg., cf. 1:10 - to unite all things in Christ).

Paul goes on from here with the word "for" a couple of times: "for" by grace we have been saved... "for" we are his workmanship, (re)created in Christ Jesus for good works... This section can be understood to be saying that the good works for which we are created in Christ to walk in, not that we might boast..., are precisely to show in the coming ages God's grace and kindness.

In a world where conspicuous consumption is rampant, and worldly "riches" are displayed in so many different ways, some subtle, some ostentatious, some deceitful - we who are graced with eternal riches (1:18) are privileged to wear our riches graciously and confidently, in a way that lifts up, encourages and blesses those around us, and that finally boasts in our Father of infinite wealth and glory and goodness and grace.

Perhaps there's a bit of that reflected in the gospel today. Jesus has been healing people - signs of the inbreaking kingdom which also draw people to inquire and wonder what these signs point to.

Mark 1:36 And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, 37 and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”

Jesus insists on preaching, and will not simply flow with the crowds and do the "good works" alone - they are to show the immeasurable riches of the Father's grace in kindness toward us. And it is the proclamation, "the kingdom of God is at hand" and the rest of Jesus' teaching, that keeps the miracles in perspective.

God give us grace to so deeply receive and appreciate what you have done for us and in us through Jesus Christ that we display the grace and kindness in our good works today.