THE AGES TO COME

"But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of
works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:4-9)

Devotion 13 of 17

EXPRESSED IN HIS KINDNESS TOWARD US

And what is God's "kindness toward us through Christ Jesus?" If it is impressive enough to be the objective of demonstration throughout the ages to come, it is great enough to occupy our attention now. "Kindness" is a large word, coming from chrestotes (khray-stop'-ace), which means "usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor):--gentleness, goodness, kindness). This is an AGGRESSIVE kindness, in which God takes the initiative to bless and lift. Although it should not be necessary to say so, He does not override our will in this exercise. His wisdom, however, is able to lead us into willingness in the day of His power (Psa 110:3).

This word is translated "goodness" in Romans 2:4, and is there depicted as "leading" us to repentance--an aggressive activity. Emphasizing this is a Divine quality, Romans 3:12 affirms that no person inherently possesses it. Romans 11:22 contrasts God's goodness with His "severity," showing both to be assertive. Titus 2:4 reminds us that our salvation resulted from the perception of divine goodness. "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

As wonderful as our salvation is now, it brings us to but the threshold of Divine purpose. The Lord's objective involves "the ages to come." That means the "exceeding riches of His grace" not only makes us "laborers together with God" now (1 Cor 3:9), enabling us to influence future ages here, as well as the eternal realms themselves. God's "kindness toward us by Christ Jesus" has involved us in vast and unfathomable purpose!

If you are in Christ Jesus, you are part of something exceeding large, that rejoices the heart of God and challenges the curiosity of angels. Throw yourself into His work, and thrust from you any tendency to be inactive or indifferent toward this great salvation!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I confess before the Lord Jesus and the holy angels that Your kindness has brought satisfaction and joy to my heart!

-- TOMORROW: AGES IN TIME, #1 --