It's all about that GRACE, bout that GRACE, bout that GRACE-no trouble!

 

“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ² in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³ All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶ And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷ in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)

WHERE’S THE GRACE?

I’m going to date myself here, but do you remember the Wendy’s commercial, “Where’s the beef”?

This sweet little elderly lady lifts the bun of a hamburger sandwich in a restaurant to reveal this little patty of meat and says, “Where’s the beef”!?!

I want to ask, “Where’s the grace”?

When did mankind become so well versed in the Scriptures that they became equipped to sit in the Judgment Seat? It is my understanding that only one “person” has the authority to sit in the Judgment Seat and it is not you, or me, or anyone else for that matter.

It has been my observation for a while now that “the Church” globally and Christians have been the focus of gossip, judgment, and moral attack like never before. Perhaps this is a sign of our time? (Jude 1:14-17) Grace is meant for ALL people. EVEN CHRISTIANS.

It tends to be the thought that GRACE is something that is extended from God to the Believer and from the Believer to the unsaved (those who haven’t had an introduction to the love of God). If that is your thought pattern, then you need to read the Word of God. Grace is meant to be extended, especially, from Christian to Christian.

Grace was poured out on the Cross of Calvary for ALL people. That means grace is meant for the redeemed as well. It is to be received from God, extended to both believers and unbelievers equally-all day, every day.

If our faith includes being cruel or judgmental to another human being, no matter what their faith, then our knowledge and practice of the Word is off the mark.

GRACE is what EASTER is all about. The definition of GRACE is a gift given undeserved. Jesus died on the Cross for our all of our sins and He was INNOCENT, SINLESS. He was persecuted, spat upon and tortured. Yet He remained humble, (that’s a hard one) He chose to forgive even those who were crucifying Him “for they know not what they do”. (Luke 22:33-35)

The whole faith journey for the redeemed has one focus to be transformed every moment of every day becoming more and more like Jesus.

God is rich in mercy. Yet He tells us clearly how to deal with people who reject Him and persecute His people. Verse six of Ephesians 2 tells us GOD raised us up with Christ. Remember who you are in Christ and WHOSE you are.

Choose GRACE my friends. Choose to forgive all the way to the Cross. Choose to be free from bitterness, rage and unforgiveness. Do not be fooled by the enemy of God into childish ways that lead to judgment, hatred, division or the downgrading of another. (1 Corinthians 13:1-12)

Let us honor God and honor one another through the extension of GRACE. For Easter this year, forgive someone. Maybe that forgiveness begins with us. Maybe we need to uproot a bitter root in our own hearts that are poisoning ourselves and breaking Gods heart? Pray about it, think it over…”where’s the grace”?

PRAYER: Father, Thank You for the reason we celebrate Easter! Thank you for Your unsurmountable LOVE and the rich mercy You chose for us. Thank you for raising us up with Your Son, choosing us, and the Savior of all who will call upon His holy Name. In order that the coming ages might know Your “incomparable rich” GRACE, expressed through Jesus Christ. HELP US to know You more, walk more closely with You and have a voracious desire for Your Word. Find us obedient so that we might withstand the wiles of the world in a way that glorifies Your Name. Where there is division bring wholeness and peace. AMEN.

In His service and yours,

Rev. Shelly A. Zook