Theme: THE UNSEARCHABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE
DAY 10, Read Ephesians 1:15-23
GRACE, HOW MARVELOUS AND AMAZING!
Key Verse: “Which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Verse 23).
Dr. A. Beith’s comment on Christ’s fullness further widens our vista on the vast opportunities grace offers us. He compares the grace of God to the abundance of the sea which does not diminish no matter how much we fetch from it; and to the intensity of the sun which remains in full strength despite its constant illumination.
“Christ’s fullness: — As the sea is not diminished by the treasures of rain which it yields, and which are dispensed to the earth to fertilize and refresh it, or as the sun is not wasted, that he has imparted light to all past generations of men; so Christ has not been affected in His fullness, though from Him has proceeded all the good that has ever been bestowed on every creature. That in the beginning He laid the foundations of the earth, and that He then spread forth the heavens like a curtain, has not diminished His strength. That He brought into being all the families of life, in their innumerable and varied forms, has not exhausted His resources.”
Again, let us return to C. H. Spurgeon and read another of his illuminating comments on the same text. This time, he compares grace to the fragrance of a perfume and like dipping one’s foot in oil. All perceives the fragrance of a beautiful perfume. A foot that is dipped in oil leaves back traces along its path. If we are beneficiaries of grace, then those around us should perceive the fragrance of it upon our lives. He writes:
“Fullness of grace: — I have heard our Lord likened to a man carrying a water-pot, and as he carried it upon his shoulder, the water fell dropping, dropping, dropping, so that every one could track the water-bearer. So should all His people be, carrying such a fullness of grace that every one should know where they have been by that which they have left behind. He who hath lain in the beds of spices will perfume the air through which he walks. One who, like Asher, has dipped his foot in oil, will leave his footprints behind him. When the living and incorruptible seed remains within, the Divine instincts of the new nature will guide you to the wisest methods of activity. You will do the right thing under the inward impulse rather than the written law, and your personal salvation will be your prime qualification for seeking out others of your Master’s flock.”
Another writer makes this comment on grace:
“Grace for grace“(KJV)…just what does that mean? Surely, not that the grace of the old covenant is replaced by that of the new administration. Grace interchanging with grace is meant; grace replaced by fuller grace; greater depths to our spiritual relationship and fellowship; greater measures of spiritual understanding, sustenance and strength; continual impressions of received favor, new grace coming upon and superseding that formerly received. This becomes true in our individual experience. Grace is enjoyed in proportion to our growth in appreciation for God’s favor channeled through our Redeemer. And that all comes because of and out of His fullness.”
PRAYER: Father, may all perceive the fragrance of your grace in me.
