Jessica Albritton, Family Connections Minister LHBC
Ephesians 2:4-10
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
Did you know that it costs more money to make a penny than the penny is actually worth? Each penny costs taxpayers around $1.79 to produce and ship. The US Mint lost over $72 million in making pennies last year alone. In a survey Americans admitted that they would rather throw a penny away than bother carrying it around. On the flip side, in a poll by yougov.com found that 51% of Americans were in favor of keeping the penny and more than a third would be disappointed if the government stopped making them. Another 9% indicated they would even be angry if production on the penny were to halt.
When I reflect on my own life and compare what I have to offer the Lord I resonate with that worthless little penny. The cost of my redemption is far greater than the value I have to offer the Savior. When Jesus went to the cross to pay for your sin and mine the price He paid cost more than any value we could ever aspire to attain. I look at what God did in order to offer forgiveness and think, why do you use me? The cost outweighs my value. But God. I can’t even begin to wrap my head around the great love God has for mankind, it just doesn’t make sense, but I am so overwhelmingly grateful to Him who, in His great love, saw the value in a relationship with His creation.
Ephesians 2 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. Verse 4 starts off, “But God.” What a powerful statement. When we were dead in our trespasses, having nothing to offer and no way to get ourselves out of the mess of sin, God, being rich in mercy offered a way out. And not by our own works but through His on the cross. But not only are we saved from something, but also saved for something. Verse 10 states we are his workmanship created for good works. When we realize the price Jesus paid for us and come to the realization that the price He paid far outweighs the value we can offer, it should drive us to action. God’s great gift of salvation doesn’t give permission to coast our way into heaven, it’s inspiration worship unhindered, to tell others of His great love. Our response should be worship and service to the God of the universe and Savior of the world.
Do you feel like a worthless little penny? Well guess what, we are. But God. Don’t let that discourage you, let it encourage you to worship Him who is rich in grace, mercy and love.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Heavenly Father, overwhelmed doesn’t even begin to describe the feeling of knowing Your great love for me! Your immeasurable grace is something that far outweighs anything I can offer You! Lord, lead me to labor well for you! Help me to be a good workman in response to the gift of salvation You give me so undeservingly. In Jesus name, amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
James 4:10–Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.