Mimiology: Easter Thoughts from my little Monkey

Eph 1:4-9: "But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 even though we were dead in transgressions, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you are saved! – 6 and he raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 to demonstrate in the coming ages the surpassing wealth of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 it is not from works, so that no one can boast."



Since it is almost Easter I thought it only appropriate to post an Easter themed devotion for the day. I don't want to spend much time on it because God's love is simple and doesn't require much explanation. I was thinking about this the other day. I was looking at Mimi (as I often do) thinking how much I loved her. That I loved her so much I could just grab her and squeeze her and squeeze her forever. I couldn't imagine not having her around. To cheer me up with the joyful smile everyday when she wakes up. That I would do anything for her wellbeing. If you have a child, or have ever had a child, you know what I am talking about.

Then a thought dawned on me that caused exceeding joy- God loves me as much, nay even more, than I love Mimi. And to use technical theological words, that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. To imagine that God loves me just as much and more than I love Mimi. Knowing what I would do for her, it is not hard "to understand" why God allowed the death of His Son for us. The only thing I can wrap my mind around, and will never be able understand, is why? Why did God love us so much? What did we do to deserve this? I am continually failing God, yet He always loves me perfectly, more perfectly than I can love anyone else.

The only thing I can think of is Mimi, again. Why do I love her? Is it anything she did for me? Of course not, really, she has no ability to "do" anything for me that would seem to cause me joy. She, her smile brings me joy. Her little chuckles and silly things she does makes me laugh. But that doesn't necessarily engender love, per se. I love her though, by virtue of her just being there, of her being our progeny, she is special and loved so much. She doesn't have to do anything- we are hardwired to love our children (hmm, wonder where that comes from?) So I guess that is I my theological explanation of God's love- very complex indeed.

God's love is not based on anything we can do for Him. By virtue of being made in God's image- of being God's special creation- we are loved. And because we are loved- we have this tremendous gift, blessing, of eternal life that is available to us for free. God is a God of love and has made a way for our eternal joy and happiness- and that way is through His Son Jesus Christ. Who was crucified, buried, and was raised to life on the 3rd day. Who is reigning at the right hand of the Father, saying prayers for me night and day. How great it is this easter season to remember God's love!

Amen!

PJ