November 10., 2024 -- Ephesians 2:1-6 -- Raised to new life, not zombie life, but real life in Christ

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…
Ephesians 2:1-6 ESV
 
One of the strange quirks of ministry is how often I am exposed to dead bodies. Family have requested me to be present as a much-loved member of the family was dying. For about fifteen years I was a police chaplain and I’d be privileged to go on ride-alongs. There were a couple of times when a 911 call came in and the officer I was accompanying was required to go to a place where a body was found.
 
There is something so strange that happens when a living, breathing person becomes a corpse. When the animation of life is suddenly gone, there are so many changes that take place. It is obvious one who is dead can not be revived. Why focus on this? Because before God took hold of us, we were dead in the putrefying work of sin. We were utterly unable to do anything for ourselves. I love that disjunctive word “but”. As you read along the description of death, but God (Who is infinitely strong, merciful and great in love) would not leave His child in the grip of death. It is the love of the Father for His chosen people which raises them from death to life.
 
Can God love me? This passage answers with a resounding YES! God has shown you His immeasurable love in Christ, raising you from death—not like in zombie movies or like a Frankenstein monster kind of life. When the Father raised you from death to life He broke the stranglehold of sin. Though sin may remain, it doesn’t reign anymore. He Who raised you up in Christ will also continually vivify you by His Spirit. He made you alive, so that you can fulfill the holy purposes for which He created you.
 
Why mention this? You are loved. That is the reason believers go to church as well. In exuberant thanksgiving to God, it is our ardent desire to praise God and bless Him for bringing us from death to life in Christ. When a saint sins, it is powerful to confess that sin and know, from the tip of your toes to the very top of your head know, that God is not done with you yet. He is making you holy, all of you, holy. You can state it this way, He is working in you so that you will one day be wholly holy. It won’t happen in this lifetime, but when Jesus returns, or when you lay down your mortal remains at death you will immediately, in the twinkling of an eye, find yourself with the saints around the throne worshiping Jesus. Confirming the love of God, which is greater than your doubts, greater than your past, greater than the sinfulness which still lingers and occasionally leads you astray (but only as far as the restraining grace will allow).
 
Saints sings hymns and sing Psalms (putting to music the 150 Psalms of the Bible) and spiritual songs because the Truth of the Father’s love given to us in Christ and guarded in us by the Holy Spirit must work itself deep into our soul, crowding out the lies of the Devil. You want to sing. You want to express such love divine. Since He raised you from death to life, you desire to use your life to bless Him and thank Him and as you contemplate Him in song, grow in love toward Him, the soul’s reward and the heart’s joy.
 
Father in heaven Who is like You? There is none and nothing in all the universe comparable to You. You are compassionate, rich in mercy and steadfast in Your great love. Thank You for the life You give us in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Spirit Who is leading us in all Truth. When I falter in my confidence, lead me to confess my sins and turn from them. Let Your Spirit’s voice drown out my fears and insecurities and remind me that I am deeply loved, in Your love that is steady, true and never-ending. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/EMvfX-ajxA4?si=tKcNG3Vxm0zSQaFz My Soul Finds Rest (Psalm 62)
 

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