“The
Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the
glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and
truth.” John 1: 14 (NIV)
Jesus is full of grace and truth. He is our shining example, our
mentor for graceful earthly living. I have seen the phenomenon resident in
individuals on the trails of the Eastern Sierra, riding with me in groups of
motorcyclists, in my family and friends, in children whom I’ve been tasked to
watch over, and displayed with prominence in room 7C at Oak Park. Therefore, I
am blessed beyond measure, the blessings overflow the cup I’m given, and I hope
the excess spills over those in need of more.
Grace as defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary – “1a:
unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification
b: a virtue coming from God c: a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine
grace”
“But
he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect
in weakness.’ Therefore
I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power
may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9
 |
| with permission from graphicstock.com |
When I am in need and languish in brokenness I am reminded
that His grace is sufficient for me and that it must be enough for me to
continue. Jesus’ sacrifice has made it so. Webster tells us and we are taught
that God’s grace is freely given to us without merit and for His glory. Paul
tells us that it is sufficient for us. Take it, it’s free (but not without the
cost of ‘self’) and a requirement of the Kingdom of God.
Chris Tomlin wrote a great song of praise, “Your Grace is
Enough”. Every time I sing it I’m met exactly where I am in my walk of faith. For
your edification, the first verse, chorus, and refrain:
Great is Your faithfulness oh God
You wrestle with the sinner’s heart
You lead us by still waters and to mercy
And nothing can keep us apart
So remember Your people
Remember Your children
Remember Your Promise
Oh God
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough
Your grace is enough for me
Graceful as defined in Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary – “1: displaying grace in form or action 2: pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement”
“21My son, do not let wisdom leave
your sight.
Carefully observe
sound judgment and discernment,
22and they will be life to you
and a graceful ornament for your neck.
23Then you will travel safely on your way,
and your foot will
not stumble.
24When you sit down,
you will not be afraid;
when you lie down,
your sleep will be pleasant.
25Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,
or the devastation
that comes to the wicked.
26Indeed, the LORD will be your confidence,
and he will keep your
foot from being caught.”
Proverbs 3: 21-26 (ISV)
And so we appear graceful to those around us when we cling to God’s
wisdom and when we pay close attention to sound judgment and discernment. To the
casual observer we go through life as the deer through the forest and the
antelope over the plains. They will either see it without understanding or they
will understand and come to believe.
Today, accept His grace as it has been poured out on Calvary, seek
his wisdom and wear it as a garland, and go about your day full of grace to
dance in God’s presence.
In His grip, jerry
