Over and Above
Posted by Karah
Pause
Take some time and ponder this quote from Josh McDowell:
“If Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be, and He did die on a cross at a point of time in history, then, for all history past and all history future it is relevant because that is the very focal point for forgiveness and redemption.”
It’s not uncommon to hear about professional athletes having to pay enormous fines for bad behavior. Read Ephesians 1:7-10. How big is the penalty for our sin against God? What price did God pay to buy us back? Underline the answer when you find it.
“We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
—Ephesians 1:7-8
Redemption: “Bought back;” carries the idea of being released from slavery. How is sin slavery?
Through His blood: It is through Jesus’ death—in our place—on the cross that God frees us from sin and its power. This redemption was costly. Have you ever minimized the cost of God’s redemption? Why?
Lavished: To give something extravagant or be exceptionally generous. In Christ, God has shown us abundant and extravagant grace. Understanding the enormity of what God has freely done for you, what words would you use to praise Him?
Respond
Take some time to reflect on your words of praise for God’s lavish grace toward sinners. Toward you. By giving His Son, God secured your forgiveness from sin. Journal a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for your salvation.
Behind the Story
In the Old Testament, it was required that an innocent animal had to be sacrificed to atone for the sins of the people. This pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the “innocent Lamb” whose blood would atone for the sins of those who believe. This reminds us that God’s forgiveness might come freely, but it did not come cheaply. God, in His holiness, cannot “wink” at sin. Justice demands that restitution (full payment) must be made.
The Point
Salvation may be a free gift, but it isn’t cheap. God paid a great price to buy us back from sin.
Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions