Thursday, March 30

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

"After the LORD your God has driven them out before you, do not say to yourself, 'The LORD has brought me here to take possession of this land because of my righteousness.'  No, it is on account of the wickedness of these nations that the LORD is going to drive them out before you." (Deuteronomy 9:4)

This statement and two others that I read today highlighted the "offensive" nature of grace.  In Moses's words, we see that God had indeed planned for the Israelites' great conquest of the people that resided in the land He had promised to His people.  Yet, their triumph would not come through their might, strategy, or righteousness, but rather according to God's set plan and purpose.  God would bring His judgment on these entrenched peoples due to their unrighteousness.

I would like to focus on the implications for us as Christ-followers.  We understand from the Scriptures that, due to the immeasurable sacrifice of Christ and our faith therein, we have become part of God's family (John 1:12).  Paul summarizes the regenerating work of Christ in Titus 3:3-8:

"3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone."

As "heirs having the hope of eternal life," how shall we live?  How may we see ourselves and our world realistically, in similar tones as our Father?  Shall we live in condemnation because of our shortcomings?

I share that last question because I have frequently found myself in that place.  It feels "natural" and "comfortable" to construct my structure of righteousness and work towards fulfilling it.  That drive for "perfection" energizes me towards that goal of self-justification.  Yet, ultimately, this path leads to disappointment because it neglects God's grace and fails to include His perspective.

Instead, I have found freedom in welcoming God's presence into each day.  Instead of seeking to prove my righteousness, I have been trying to rest in God's grace and to live in gratitude.  As the Scriptures teach, "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17)  And joy.  Thanks be to God that He desires to bring real and lasting freedom and joy for us, as we rely on Him.

Dorotheus of Gaza (505-565) wrote:  "A man who prays without ceasing, if he achieves something, 

knows why he achieved it, and can take no pride in it; for he cannot attribute it to his own powers, but attributes all his achievements to God, always renders thanks to him and constantly calls upon him, trembling lest he be deprived of help."

As Pastor Scott has shared, the extent of our prayers demonstrate our reliance on God's grace.  May we experience God's joy and freedom by laying our burdens before Him and trusting Him completely.

Lord Jesus, thank You for preparing the way for us to experience lasting joy and freedom.  We thank You that Your grace is sufficient for us and that Your power is made perfect in our weakness.  We thank You that You have designed us for Yourself and that our hearts find no rest until they rest in You.  We thank You that Your Word shows us the truth and helps us to recognize our desperate need for You.  Bring us into closer communion with You and help us to hear Your voice more clearly.  Make us into a better reflection of Your awesome character.  We love You and honor You today.  In Jesus's Name, amen.