In him [Christ] we have . . . the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. (Eph. 1:7)
God never does anything halfway or just enough to get by. The Scriptures use terms like abundantly more, abounding, immeasurably more, and exceeding when speaking about God’s work. Another word I like is lavish, which means to be extravagant in giving—to give more than enough.
As a teen, I worked on a German Swiss farm, where the rather rotund hired cook fixed big farm lunches every day for those of us who worked hard in the field. She was always offended if we quit eating too soon. She stayed on the move around the table, spooning out more onto our plates if she thought an item was a bit low. She lavished food on me. I kind of liked that German cook.
When the miracle of feeding the multitude took place, everyone was concerned that there would not be enough. When Christ finished his work, more than enough was available. Not only was everyone filled, but twelve baskets of leftovers remained. God is never stingy when dishing out his blessings.
Good things happen when God lavishes the riches of his grace on us. Not only does he save us, but he enables us when we are weak; provides for us when we are in need; sustains us in hard times; and will carry us all the way to glory. Pour it on, Lord. Keep it coming.
Let God pour some extra of his riches of grace on you.
Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than fifty years.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
