This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
“What is “[God’s] indescribable gift” (dōrea) for which Paul offers his thanks to God? It is “the surpassing grace of God to you,” as stated in the previous verse, which has sparked a chain reaction. What began in free, unconditioned generosity has issued in thankfulness and longing in the fellowship within the “household of faith…the Israel of God,” in which there can be “neither Jew nor Greek” because “all are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 6:10, 16; 3:28). While the immediate context demands such an answer, a broader sweep of this passage hints that, ultimately, “God’s indescribable gift” can only be gracious Jesus Himself, who though rich, impoverished Himself to make the poor rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus Christ is the divine gift which inspires all gifts.”
Paul Barnett in The Second Epistle to the Corinthians (NICNT; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997) 448-49.
Today is known as Good Friday because “the divine gift which inspires all gifts” is the work of Jesus on the cross for us. He suffered and died, taking the penalty for our sins, in order to reconcile all who believe back into relationship with God. He impoverished Himself to make us rich. No wonder He celebrated when the widow gave out of her poverty!
When walking the dog last night during a winter storm, the gate stood out against the white sky with the snow falling. I recalled how Jesus serves as our gate, our way to life (John 14:6). And I thought further about how His work on the cross covered our sins like a blanket of snow. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” Isaiah 1:18.
Jenni and I plan to visit the “Stations of the Cross” today and plan to take our neighbors, Ken and Carol. Join us. Here’s a stations guide my wife, Jenni, created to aid you in thoughtful reflection. We encourage you to find a place near you with the stations to consider the suffering Jesus endured for you today. Don’t go alone, take a friend with you too!
I pray “the divine gift which inspires all gifts” sparks a “chain reaction” in your life and propels you to a life of unconditioned and gracious generosity. Father, thank you for the indescribable gift of Jesus. Teach us, by your Holy Spirit, to impoverish ourselves in order to enrich others, so that they see you as the one fueling our unconditioned and gracious generosity. Amen.