Making thriving disciples of Jesus, who make more disciples of Jesus
Lavished Upon Us
I John 3:1
How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
Doesn’t the word “lavished” just make you smile? The definition of lavish is to bestow something in generous or extravagant quantities on. An old French definition is ‘deluge of rain’ as to wash.
Our Father bestows extravagant amounts of His love and His grace on us. The French definition brings a memory to my mind. My teenage friends and I had gone to a family theme park on a very hot summer day. As we strolled through the park, the heavens opened and there was a downpour of rain (a deluge if you will). My friends and I were laughing so hard as we ran through the rain. We were unable to escape. My shoes squeaked with each step I took; my hair was dripping wet; every inch of my clothing was soaked! As I looked around at my friends, they too were dripping wet.
Imagine God’s grace and love saturating every inch of you!
As He lavishes grace on us, He regains possession of us in exchange for His very life. This is extravagant love! This love He lavishes on us translates us from darkness to light and allows us to be called children of God! And that is what we are!!
Stuart Townend was a British songwriter who wrote a hymn that captures the truth of the Father’s lavish love.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure.
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away.
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross
My sin upon His shoulder.
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished.
His dying breath has brought me life.
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom.
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer,
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom.
What lavish grace! What lavish love!
His wounds have paid your ransom!!
Father, we choose to receive with open arms Your glorious grace and love lavished upon us. Thank You for allowing us to be Your children. Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Thank You for calling us friends. You are a true hero, our big brother Jesus. We want to lavish our love on You. We have nothing but unending praise for You! Thank You that we are Your children. Amen.
