Discovering the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Reflecting on Day by Day by Grace
On this first day of the new year, Day by Day by Grace reminds us of the immeasurable riches we have received through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rooted in 2 Corinthians 8:9, this devotional reveals the beauty and depth of God’s grace, extended freely to us through the poverty and sacrifice of Jesus. Let’s explore this grace, its significance, and its transforming power in our lives.
Grace: God’s Unmerited Favor
Grace has been described as “unmerited favor,” a gift entirely unearned and undeserved. The acronym "God's Riches At Christ's Expense" encapsulates its grandeur. Grace is God's way of providing everything we need—freely and fully—as we trust in the work of His Son. It is through grace that we find life, purpose, and hope, not by our own efforts, but through the infinite resources of God.
Paul highlights this in 2 Corinthians 8:9:
"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich."
Grace is more than a theological concept; it is the very essence of God's provision, available only through a personal relationship with Jesus.
The Poverty of Christ: A Divine Exchange
Before stepping into our world, Jesus dwelled in heavenly splendor, enjoying the perfect fellowship of the Father and the Spirit, the worship of angels, and the limitless rights of deity. Yet, for our sake, He willingly became poor. He entered our broken, sin-cursed world, clothing Himself in humanity and enduring rejection, suffering, and death.
Rich in Heaven: Jesus was adored in glory and majesty.
Poor on Earth: Jesus was despised and crucified by those He came to save.
Through this divine exchange, He took our spiritual poverty upon Himself, so that we might partake of His spiritual riches. His sacrifice made it possible for us to receive His righteousness, become His people, and enjoy every spiritual blessing in Christ.
The Riches of Grace
What does it mean to be made rich through His poverty? The grace of God provides us with spiritual treasures that transform our identity and destiny:
Righteousness in Him: Our sin was exchanged for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).
A New Identity: We who were once lost are now the people of God (1 Peter 2:10).
Every Spiritual Blessing: In Christ, we are blessed with all the riches of heaven (Ephesians 1:3).
These blessings remind us that grace is not a one-time experience but a daily reality, as we walk in union with Christ.
Living by Grace
As we begin this new year, let us remember that grace is not something we can earn or manufacture; it is a gift received through faith in Jesus. By abiding in Him, we access the riches of His grace, enabling us to live victoriously, grow spiritually, and share His love with others.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Lord, thank You for the immeasurable grace You have lavished upon us through Jesus. Through His poverty, we have been made rich—clothed in righteousness, made Your people, and blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. May we live each day in awe of this grace, leaning on You as our source and sharing Your love with a world in need. Amen.
A Final Thought
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. As we embark on another year, let us rest in the riches of His grace, drawing daily from the well of His provision and reflecting His love to those around us. May 2025 be a year of abiding in Him and growing in the knowledge of His glorious grace.