Breadth, Length, Height and Depth

"I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesians 3:18-19

This is a favorite passage of mine.  Read these words again and then close your eyes.  See God's promise.  Comprehend the breadth...length...height...and depth of God's love and fullness toward us.  I suppose as good a way as any to describe this promise is that its fulfillment comes in

you and me even just stepping into faith that God initiates this kind of goodness toward needy creatures like us.  When we trust it, it begins its filling and fulfilling work in us!

So, with this possibility, here is a wonderful story.  I was serving Holy Communion two Sundays ago.  A line of people awaited receiving the sacrament.  One-by-one, they came and heard again the words of Jesus' promise that unlock the eternal wideness of God for them:  This is the body of Christ given for you.  This is the blood of Christ shed for you.  To those who are young and have not yet participated in Communion preparation, a blessing from me is given them that involves me placing my hand on their head and sharing with them the words, "God's grace is with you in your baptism.  Jesus loves you."  

This day, one little 3-year old came up.  He received the blessing from me as he was sandwiched between his mom and dad, who received the bread and wine.  However, this little guy brought up his favorite stuffed animal, a rabbit named "Bun Bun."  After receiving his blessing and reminder of God's very sufficient grace and Jesus' sure love for him, he lifted Bun Bun up, fully expecting a blessing for him, as well.

What's a pastor to do but bless the bunny?  This 3-year old had imagined in his mind and heart the grace and love of God that had been promised him.  He knew it was good and joyful.  He loves being in church with his parents.  He wanted nothing less than the same thing for his beloved companion, Bun Bun.  And that is what each received that day...and receives every day in the kingdom of God.  Grace is, by definition, free and undeserved.  God pours out His saving and redeeming love for all creation all the time.  We Christians hear it and receive it.  We live by it.  And, hopefully, we rejoice over it and take it so seriously that it fills us and transforms our lives as we live for God, live as faithfully as we possibly can and minister to God's whole world in proclaiming the wide, deep, broad and long grace of God.  Today, I pray that you will comprehend how big God's love and grace are for you as you live for Him.  More than that, allow yourself now to be filled by Him.  Peace in Christ to you!