Showing Jesus

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. – Eph 2:4-7

For a number of past Wednesdays, I have been gathering with a group of folks to study the book of Ephesians. I was recently struck by Paul’s words here, especially the “so that…” When Paul says “so that,” he gives us the reason why God, by His grace made us alive through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. And that reason is to “show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” When Paul says “might show” it would be better translated “demonstrate” or even “display.” In other words, God is putting the church on display. He is putting you up to show how loving and gracious He is. The church is the evidence, the demonstration of God’s great glory.  When God wants to show how amazing He is, He puts us up before all the ages, all the world. God is like a proud artist, putting us up as His great work. He is saying, “If you want to know me and what I can do, look and what I have done with these people.” 

How incredible! The church is the evidence of how great God is! This rag-tag group of people. From all different backgrounds, with all different stories and experiences, with all our gifts, and all our faults, we are God’s display, His billboard to the world. That is true for us at Timothy Lutheran Church too! Our community is a local manifestation of God’s glory on earth!

As we continue to consider our vision for the future, let’s consider how we can continue to live as God’s living display of His love and grace to the world. As you go about your day, your week, in your various activities, reflect on how you are representing God. How does the world see God through you? How are displaying Him?