But God, Who Is Rich In Mercy, For His Great Love Wherewith He Loved Us, Even When We Were Dead in Sins - Part 1304

"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus ... that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Today, I was reminded of the time in the scriptures when God winked. (Acts 17:30) At the time, the people were worshiping an "unknown g/God" -- in whom they did not know. But apostle Paul did not leave them to worship and dance around an idol that could not bring peace. No, instead, he told them of the One and Only God, who revealed Himself in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"And she shall call His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin ... God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Well, within the scriptural passage above, (and you may have already noticed it) there is what we know in technology as a smiley/winky face -- at the end of Ephesians 2:5. Our first reaction, often, is to giggle and move on. But today, I stopped and wondered about the grammar here. Is this deliberate? Is the semi-colon with a bracket immediately following intentional, to get us to stop and consider the totality of its meaning too?

No, I am not suggesting that the translators did this on purpose, as if those coming out of the dark ages would know how the inextricably intertwined technology of the future would change our use of grammar. But definitely God who knows all things would know. He would understand that someday in this world gone array, that He would have to go to the extreme to get us to be still and know that He was God.

Wait! Was that not why "He was in the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not?" (John 1:10-11) Is this not why the same Word that was in the beginning with God and WAS God was made flesh? (John 1:1-18) Why "unto us a child is born" after God declared peace and good will to all? (Luke 1:35; Isaiah 9:6)

Because He loved us so much that He would give His only begotten -- He Himself who knew no sin would become as one of us -- He coming forth as a mighty man in the form of a Son -- so that we could experience His abundant and endless love that surpasses all human understanding. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; John 10:30; Isaiah 43:3; Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:28; Hebrews 1:1-3)

Yes, this same Lord God knew that a day would come, that we would need that smiley face interjected in the midst of His Word in order for us to stop for a moment, and not just giggle, but understand the totality of the price He paid for you and I when He sacrificed His precious blood on a cross -- so that we might have life in Him.

His free to us gift of salvation, but at a cost to Him that surpasses all human understanding. But herein, a smiley face calling out to the reader, inviting us as the Lord Jesus -- the bridegroom and Head of His body of Christ church -- has always done to the most elaborate wedding feast of all time.

"All ye who are heavy laden ..."

Jesus answered and said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." (Matthew 11:25-30)
So, if you are still thinking about that smiley face at the end of Ephesians 2:5, here is another perspective.

That smiley face may have indeed been deliberate and intentional. It may have been (to us in this very day) a truly necessary and welcome intervention so that we would stop and listen to what Jesus was actually saying, when He walked this earth -- of His love. His goodness and mercy and grace.

That smiley face interjected in Ephesians 2:5 for a reason, inviting believers back to His Word -- to partake our sustenance solely from our Lord and Saviour Jesus  the Christ -- even when the antics of a modern day religious culture (like the scribes and Pharisees in Jesus time) work overtime trying with every means possible to entangle believers in Jesus by faith with the burdensome yoke of the law and ten commandments that could have never brought man into perfection.

As apostle Paul said, "O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you. "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-2)

Good question! Still, the good news gospel is clear. We are saved by grace because of His sacrifice on the cross. His precious blood on the cross shed so that we might have life more abundantly. His gift of salvation to one and all who believe in Jesus by faith that will save us from our transgressions.

And thus, an inconspicuous(?) smiley face inviting us to sit in the heavenly in Christ Jesus. Take hold of His truths today, and rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)

Stand in the offering plate.