Embracing Divine Grace
The Rev. Sandy Key
Readings for Monday, February 19, 2024: Reflecting on the First Sunday in Lent
Job 4:1-21 and Ephesians 2:1-10
"But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus"
-An excerpt from the Letter to the Ephesians
Today's readings offer a reminder of God's eternal love and mercy for us. They emphasize that God loves us unconditionally despite our inclination toward a sinful lifestyle. It's essential to remember during Lent that we are saved only through God's mercy, and this should motivate us to live our lives in a way that pleases God.
In the Story of Job, we realize through Job’s example that although our hardships and struggles on earth are temporary, we find true comfort when we are in the right relationship with God. and as Christians we take that a step further. God will raise us up with Christ and seat us in the heavenly places through the resurrection, which should fill us with hope and joy. It's a call to persevere in our faith and to keep our eyes fixed on the eternal life that awaits us.
In his letter to the people of Ephesus, Paul extols the immeasurable riches of God's grace and kindness towards God’s people - which includes you and me. God's love and kindness remain true through time and space, and we should never doubt our eligibility for forgiveness.
Over the next few weeks, we are called to recognize how we might have turned away from God or maybe even those who are near and dear to us. We are invited to turn away from our selfish ways and seek forgiveness, which God is always ready to give. The first step towards redemption with God, our family, and our friends lies with us.
Never forget that God loves us unconditionally. Let us strive to seek forgiveness from those we have wronged, turn away from our selfish ways, and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God's grace and kindness are infinite.
