Lenten Reflection - April 6th

Written by: Cindy McClellan

Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When I read this passage, I thought of a phrase I often heard growing up – “The best things in life are free.” Not until I became an adult did these words begin to make sense. Certainly, we want to feel the successes of our own accomplishments. But true joy, the honest delights, come from gifts we receive just from being alive - the sound of laughter, the warm sand beneath our feet, a hug from a trusted friend. These gifts are ours at no cost to us– we just need to open our eyes and our hearts to appreciate them.

In Ephesians, Paul reminds us of God’s ultimate gift to us. Even in our most human form, God chose not turn us away, as with Adam and Eve, or destroy our communities, as he did with Noah. Instead, from pure love, God gifted us His only son. With Jesus, we have the ultimate blessings of eternal mercy and Grace – and the knowing of unconditional love. And what is our cost for a gift so divine? Nothing – but our faith. Truly …. The best things in life ARE free !

Dear God: Help us be mindful of your ultimate gift of Jesus and appreciate its meaning. Help us to be good stewards of this gift and through our faith and our actions share it with others. We are blessed this Easter season and all days with the gift of Jesus. Amen.