September 10, 2013
“That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served — and then to give away his life in exchange for the many who are held hostage.” Matt. 20:28 The Message
God loved you at your worst by “exchanging” his Son’s life for your life. He gave his Son for your life. You were bought .. ransomed .. and redeemed. Those words can easily be dismissed or discarded when you are facing painful moments and circumstances. It is more than tempting to measure how much you think God loves you by what is happening in your life. When we are chasing other so-called gods .. going through a time of hopelessness and despair .. or trying to make life work out on our terms .. it’s in our nature to doubt that God really loves me. And yet, it is that very nature that Jesus exchanged his life for your life. Too simple? Too basic? God created you to live a life of love .. a lavishly loved life .. and to know the utter reach of how far He has gone and will go to reach you. You can have two loving parents and feel like an orphan. Sin and a whole lot broken things inside of you will whisper that lie deep into your heart over and over. But even deeper is the Father’s love found in His Son’s life exchanged for everything in you. You’re worth that much to God. Worth more than you can ever imagine. Whatever is before your day … it only takes a moment …
“You’re our last hope. Is it not true that in you the orphan finds mercy?” “I will heal their waywardness. I will love them lavishly. My anger is played out.” Hosea 14:3-4 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (kchesterp1@gmail.com)
