2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Devotional Thoughts
By Gary Wilkerson
We cannot understand the gospel unless we know the glorious nature of our awesome God. “Having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know” (Ephesians 1:18).
The gospel does not start with acknowledging that you are a sinner or realizing that God has a wonderful plan for your life. It starts with understanding the grace of our glorious Father.
Being in the Lord’s presence illuminates our understanding and yet our hearts are broken before our powerful, awesome God. Paul is saying here, “I want your eyes to be open to the reality of the character of this magnificent God we serve. He is not small, petty, or insignificant. He is the one, true God, and he wants us to have our eyes open to the revelation of his nature.”
Moses had a hunger and thirst to know who God was — what his nature and character were like — and he cried out, “Please show me your glory!” (Exodus 33:18). But Moses was unable to see God’s face because he was far too glorious. Rather, God came to him in a simple revelation: “The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin'” (Exodus 34:6-7).
Pray that God will open your eyes that you may know “having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” (Ephesians 1:18-19).
Consider the immeasurable greatness of God. Never think that your problems are bigger than God’s ability to solve them. Nor think your struggle with the flesh is greater than his power to overcome. And as you acknowledge his greatness, give thanks and magnify the name of the Lord for all he has done for you because of his wonderful grace.