...so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7
I continue a pause in my study of 1 Corinthians to use DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional. Today, in this devotional, John Piper discusses what believes is "the Bible’s most astonishing image of Christ’s second coming." He refers to Luke 12:35-37 where Jesus tells the apostles a parable of a master returning home from a wedding feast; the master expects his servants to be ready for him when he returns. He uses this parable to warn the apostles to be ready for His second coming, and that the master will "recline at table, and he will come and serve them." This depiction of Christ at the second coming is - like yesterday's warning to beware of serving God - counterintuitive and less well understood unless studied more closely. It is well understood by believers that Christ's earthly ministry depicts Jesus as serving others - this is clear from Mark 10:45 and other text. However, Jesus' parable in Luke 12 talks about the second coming where we know from text such as 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 that describe the second coming that Jesus is depicted as "in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." Piper then rhetorically asks why Jesus would be depicted in the second coming not only as a conquering king but also as a servant? He then emphasizes the text for today from Ephesians 2:7 and proceeds to share that God plays the role of servant in the second coming "[b]ecause the very heart of his glory is the fullness of grace that overflows in kindness to needy people." Piper concludes the devotional by pointing to Isaiah 64:4 where God "acts for those who wait on him," and sharing that "[t]here is no other god like this. He never relinquishes the role of inexhaustible benefactor of his ever-dependent, happy people." Indeed - praise God!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank for the amazing grace and love that You pour for me - You never stop working, working for me and loving me - despite my sin. Thank You Jesus! Will You help me turn from and overcome my sin - impatience, anger, etc. - and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
