God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense

Written by Jan Jalowiec

The book of 2 Corinthians is like a Christian’s Handbook on “how to do ministry.” Each chapter reveals yet another key to ministering in this world. Paul taught and encouraged the Corinthians through his letters and as a result, we have the “how to” for ministry, but the work of the ministry is made possible only because of the grace of God!

When I first got saved as a young girl, I had no real concept of all God was saving me from. I did not know the wickedness of this world, as I was quite sheltered. When I grew older I was sometimes hesitant to share my testimony because it wasn’t an exciting and miraculous story of a transformed life like those I loved to hear about from others.

Now as a grown woman, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of God opening my eyes at a tender, young age. When I consider all that Christ did to make a way for my salvation, I realize how “me-focused” I had been for so many years. The Almighty King of the universe stepped out of Glory to live in this wretched world to make a way for me. That is the exciting and miraculous story that needs to be told!

2 Corinthians 8:9 says this:
“For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

A well-loved pastor now home with Jesus shared how this verse gives a PERFECT acronym for grace.

G: God’s
R: riches
A: at
C: Christ’s
E: expense.

Jesus paid it ALL! All to Him I owe. Ministry is possible only as a result of His grace! While we read the Bible to learn how to do the things He has called us to, may we never forget that it is only because of His work on the cross and extending us His grace that we have a way to do it at all.

May the drudgery of all the things we “have” to do be abolished by the simple truth that we “get” to work for King Jesus!