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 – Ephesians 2:4-5
What is the meaning of life? What is my life's purpose? The Westminster Catechism says it is to "glorify God and enjoy Him forever." We nod in agreement that this is a good idea – but how do we glorify God? What does that look like in your life and mine?
Jonathan Edwards, the Congregational Preacher associated with The First Great Awakening, taught that the purpose of this created world is so that Christ, the Son of God, could enter into relationship with His bride, the Church – believers like you and me – to fully open to us "all that immense fountain of" His humility, love and grace that He has in His heart, "and that in this way God might be glorified." This casts a beautiful vision of God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love for us – expressed most fully in His love and mercy to us, sinners that we are. His love and mercy is life-transforming,
I learned recently about Bill, who, when he was 12 years old, was abandoned by his mother on a street corner. He waited for her on that street corner for three days. She never came back for him. While many passed him by, finally, someone stopped to ask if he was okay. After hearing his story, the Christian took him home and cared for his needs. He then enrolled him in a Christian summer camp.
For the first time Bill heard about Jesus. Unfortunately, no one at the camp wanted to pray with Bill because he still looked and smelled pretty bad. Bill, all alone, attempted his first prayer to God, "My mother doesn't want me. The Christians don't want me. But if You want me, here I am." God's response to Bill was instant and resounding, "Yes, I want you!" That moment changed Bill's life forever.
In high school he was given a job in his local church and upon graduation pursued a path to ministry – in one of New York's toughest neighborhoods. He invited children to his fun, welcoming Sunday school program –a ministry that continues to transform lives and families.
God, who is rich in mercy, cares for each child, each person. May God give us His eyes to see and His heart to share His rich mercy and love with others.
In Christ,
Dave Meckley, Pastor
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