glory

Ephesians 1:6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.

God’s glory-grace given.

Paul repeats the phrase “to the praise of the glory” or “to the praise of His glory” three times in Ephesians 1. Then continues two more times referring to God’s glory. Five references to glory in one chapter.

Whose glory? God’s.

Kept to Himself? No.

In verse 6, grace bestowed on the writer and recipients of the letter. More specifically, in verse 2, “the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus.” In chapter 2, expanded to Gentiles in the flesh. Formerly aliens and strangers to the people of God, the commonwealth of Israel, the Circumcision. Uncircumcised. Adopted as saints. Accepted into the household of God.

Not because it was earned or deserved. Just the opposite. Glory-grace lavished because of His kind intention. Read it yourself in chapter 1, verse 8. Lavished. Not just tossed toward low-life scoundrels. Not just haphazardly mentioned in passing casual conversation but gifted in the most extraordinary package there ever was.

Glory-grace.

God’s glory.

Freely given according to the riches of His grace.

Redemption.

Forgiveness.

In the flesh, the body can’t obtain redemption on its own. Forgiveness is not known outside the glory-grace. The riches are not owned without the inheritance gifted by the Owner. Lavished by the Owner.

God’s glory through redemption, forgiveness of trespasses, riches bestowed on undeserving Gentiles.

Friday evening before the sun set, Joseph took the body of Jesus and placed that body in a tomb. He placed a large stone in front of it.

Guards stood by that sealed tomb to make sure no one stole that body. Futile job!

Then the Sabbath rest.

On the third day, Mary and Mary went early to the grave. They found that large stone rolled away and a frightening angel telling them to not be afraid. The guards were way beyond frightened.

That angel gave them news to share. Then and there those women became the very first missionaries of the gospel message. Good news was shared that the grave had been conquered and death was no more for the risen Savior.

Today we celebrate the risen Savior. Celebrations confined in social distancing shouldn’t be hidden and hoarded but shared. Celebrating our risen Savior should be shouted aloud. HE IS RISEN! He defeated the grave and is alive for me!

We may share this amazing, grace-filled, merciful moment in many ways.

I remember my grandmother coming to visit. Her visits always brought loads of candy. This is one thing I remember about childhood celebrations!

I remember sharing egg-hunts. As a young mother, I enjoyed sharing the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus with children as they waited for the eggs to be hidden.

I remember my children coming to show me how many eggs they had found.

I remember dressing up in clothes I really didn’t want to wear!

I remember food and fun and gatherings.

This year looks a little different. This year, let’s celebrate the risen Savior with fewer things that may take our eyes off Him.

This year, let’s celebrate the risen Savior because HE IS RISEN!

Who, on Friday, defeated sin. Who, on Friday, told that thief on another cross that he would be with Him in paradise that very day. Who, on Friday, stayed on that cross until it was finished. Who, on Friday, completed a job that only He could do. Who, on Friday, provided my redemption from sin.

Joyous, glorious Resurrection Day to you!