"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
- Ephesians 3: 14-19
In the past week, God has been doing something deep within my spirit ... i do not understand why, but He caused me to look deep within myself - and there, as i meditated, i came to a deeper realisation of how wretched a man i am (no one knows how terrible a person i am - but me and God ... and having said that, the scary thing is that even we may not know the full extent of our ugliness due to the deceptiveness of our hearts (Jer. 17: 9) - but God alone, the omniscient One, knows ... even as i write, the "filthy rag" metaphor comes to mind). With that it mind - and by the grace and plan of God - i thereby came to a richer and deeper revelation (and appreciation) of the awesome splendor of God - His holiness - as well as His love and grace towards me, a terrible sinner - not just in saving me, but also His grace and goodness towards me in every aspect of my life.
It wasn't at all a condemning process (just in case some of you may feel that way) - for God's gracious hand was definitely upon this entire process ... and His Word has said that "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rom. 8: 1). In fact, in direct contrast to any condemning thoughts, came a clearer picture of the extent of God's love and grace towards me (or us, His people, for that matter). All i felt was the assurance of God's love and grace upon me as i meditated upon my sinfulness and God's holiness. I stand amazed how One so great could love one so small. I simply worshipped.
It was there that a precious truth came to my mind (which i believe holds true): It is only when we have a right view of self and sin can we begin to better comprehend the extent of God's love and grace towards us. And although this knowledge may not be complete (i'm not 100% convinced that we can fully comprehend the full extent of God's love for us by ourselves), yet when pondered and mulled over long enough, ought to cause us to fall our knees and worship our gracious and loving King - which it did me. Oh, the greatness of God's amazing love and grace towards us ... what other response ought this to elicit from us but to simply worship Him!!!
Indeed, when we have a true view of ourselves, we will be truly amazed that God (and sometimes, even our fellow-men!) can treat us so wonderfully well. Spellbounding thought this is!!! And this ought to cause us to walk humbly before God and men - with a constant gratitude towards the amazing grace of God upon our lives. As a part of the song "God is Good" goes (and this sums up the two opposite extemes so very well - our human sinfulness and God's divine love) : "We were sinners, so unworthy, still for us He chose to die ..." (the songwriter's personal paraphrase of Romans 5: 8 ? Well, seems like it ... to me at least!) Indeed God is good ... and His love endures forever!!! Thank God for that!!! :)
Oh, God, how i stand in awe in the beauty of Your holiness!!! It is only by Your grace that i am saved!!! Thank You for this precious gift of salvation!!! May i never ever despise such great a salvation!!! Thank You for this life ... thank You Lord for everything!!! Let not praise and worship cease from streaming forth from my mouth - for You alone are truly God ... You alone are worthy of all praise and honor!!! I am Your's - forever!!! Amen.
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