Daily Devotion – April 9, 2020 – Erin Bjerke
Ephesians 2:1-10
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
What comes to mind when you think of handiwork? For me, I think of the crocheting and knitting that I like to spend lots of time on. It could also be woodworking, drawing or painting, sewing or embroidering, leathercraft, building Legos… anything that you create with your hands is handiwork! Have you ever created something with great care that you’re proud of? This is what I think of when I read Ephesians 2:10. God made us with God’s own two hands, carefully molding each one of us. God handpicked our features, characteristics, and traits. No wonder God loves us so much!
It’s because of God’s great love for us that even though we followed the ways of this world and the evil one, God wants us back! Think about it: God doesn’t love us for trying to be perfect. Think of something that you have made with great care that you’re proud of. Is it perfect? If it were perfect, is that what would make you proud of it? I don’t think so. God cares about us because God made us, not because of what we have or haven’t done, not because of what kind of person we are. Instead, “It is by grace you have been saved.” We can rejoice in God’s grace!
Prayer: God of all creation, thank you for creating us. Thank you that we get to reflect your glory. Most of all, thank you for your grace. Help us to accept it joyfully. Amen.
