Trophies Of Grace

Read: Ephesians 2:1-10

God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

IN WORD

We may think we live private lives, and in many respects we do. We are hidden in Christ (Colossians 3:3). But God has a plan for His own glory. No artist wants to create masterpieces that remain unseen by the world, and God is the ultimate artist. He has every intention of putting His greatest works on display, and according to His Word, we are some of His greatest works. At times in this age and emphatically in ages to come, He plans to point to us as examples of His lavish grace. As former citizens of darkness and current citizens of the Kingdom of glory, we are destined to be in His showcase.

Some of us may be embarrassed by that kind of attention, but we’ll have to get over the embarrassment. This demonstration of grace is primarily about God, not us. We certainly benefit, and for grace to be meaningful, it has to have an object. In that sense, it is about us. But the bigger story is about the Giver, not the recipients. His best works are for the display of His glory. We are Exhibit A in the case that God is full of love, mercy, compassion, grace, and comfort.

IN DEED

Think about that. Many attributes of the King would never have been seen in a perfect environment like heaven, where mercy, forgiveness, healing, deliverance, and comfort are not needed. But these characteristics come into stark relief against the backdrop of our fallen world. Your pain? It’s there as an occasion for God to show His deliverance and comfort. Your need? It’s there to show His provision. Your sin? It’s the stage on which His mercy becomes visible. It’s a privilege and honor to play the role of His trophies, and the demonstration will be visible for countless ages to come. Our lives are the perfect landscape for His most beautiful works.

ADDITIONAL READING: Revelation 5:9-10

I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need.

CHARLES SPURGEON