Recently I have been doing a study by Beth Moore entitled, "Measureless Love." An incredible study, based upon the Apostle Paul's words in Ephesians 3: 14-19:
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."
Within the first session, Beth Moore focuses on what makes God's label of an immeasurable love so impressive? We see in Scripture, God's continued use of detailed measurements: the tabernacle, the promised land, the ark, new Jerusalem, each one's very days on this earth (Job 14:5). We also read in Scripture of a divine Creator, Who fashioned the earth by His mighty hand...detailed measurements. Beth Moore brought out this concept as she explained that the earth is just far enough away from the sun and the moon...and tilted at just right angle. Can you consider how incredible it is that a God of detailed measurements puts none whatsoever on His great love.
The reminder of God's great love came at a special time of the year. It seems as if the older I become, Christmas is less about the gifts, the holiday festivities, and the Christmas "feeling" in the air. More this year than ever, I have been reminded of God's love and provision for me. The birth of a baby boy over two thousand years ago was God's provision for my life, a life that had yet to even begin. The cross that Jesus would bear thirty-three years later was out of His great love for you and me. He was already preparing a way for you and me. It brings tears to my eyes and a overwhelming peace to my heart.
"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Spread His praise from shore to shore
How He came to pay our ransom
Through the saving cross He bore
How He watches o’er His loved ones
Those He died to make His own
How for them He’s interceding
Pleading now before the throne"
And even when life just doesn't make sense, and even when plans just do not seem to pan out, and even when we're at what feels like the end of our strength...here we have it: the immeasurable, vast, unfailing, deep, deep love of Jesus. He watches over the ones He died to ransom. He prays for us, He guides us, He pleads to the Father on our behalf...all because of His great and measureless love for you. What more do you need, dear one? What more.
I recently heard this beautiful version of the inspirational hymn by Samuel Trevor Francis. Sovereign Grace Music surely did a beautiful job. They added this chorus to their version:
"Oh the deep, deep love, all I need and trust
Is the deep, deep love of Jesus "
Do you believe that tonight? I am with you. Life can be hard. Life's decisions can be often be overwhelming, relationships can sometimes feel as if they're falling apart, at times our life plans feel as if they have been put on hold...but what remains? The deep, deep love of our Savior. All that we need is found in Him and Him alone. We can trust Him. Will you trust Him? How thankful I am. May you be reminded this Christmas season of His great love for you.
"For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us
as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him."
Psalm 103: 11-13
Hannah Grace
Thanks for sharing your insights about the infinite love of God. The hymn by Samuel Francis is an eloquent celebration of His love. The version you link to is nice, but I personally prefer the more usual hymn tune, called Ebenezer.
ReplyDeleteIf you enjoy learning about the background of our hymns, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwise Hymns--which includes Samuel Francis's hymn today.