City Life Starter

Written by Megan Meier

The Word

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:6-7 NIV

“…Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Mark 10:43.45 NIV

Reflection

·       “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…” – When Jesus died on Good Friday, our sins died with Him. On Easter Sunday, He rose from the dead, and those who accept Him and what He’s done rise from the grave as well. We were saved to come back home. If we are seated with Christ, then we are sitting on thrones! We’re not sitting at Jesus’ level, remember the super-bold, even impertinent, request of James and John. Jesus responded that anybody wants to be great must be least (Mark 10:35-45). 

·       “…in order than in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace…” – Jesus saved us so we would be in Heaven with Him. Not all of God’s riches are reserved for when we die, we have many here on this earth. Take a good look at your talents (not a typo, you have multiple, maybe even hundreds!). And remember the peace you have in knowing this world is not all there is, that you have an even happier home waiting for you. 

·       “…expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” – God’s mercy and love is our peace and freedom. 

Application

In the 2019 movie The Lion King, Mufasa instructs Simba, “While others search for what they can take, a true king searches for what he can give.” I wonder if they got inspiration from Jesus’ speech to His miffed disciples, that the King of Kings Himself came to serve and give. You have lots to give from your talents, and as they are invested they will multiply. And like Cinderella, we were raised from rags to royalty, and are charged with telling others of the Prince of Peace and help them come home too. 

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank You for saving me, for granting me peace, freedom, and the means to come back home. Help me to focus on how I can serve and lead others back home. In Your Name I pray, amen.