Through the Bible - Psalms 128-130, 1 Corinthians 8
Good morning,
As I mentioned yesterday, we were on vacation last week and enjoyed spending time with our kids and grandkids. My granddaughter is two and a half and is as cute as can be and as strong willed as her mother. She often refuses help and will say "I do myself!". As parents and grandparents we realize that a young child may want to do something themselves but must step in, reach down and help or take over in a situation. A little child may enjoy playing in the ocean, but not realize when a large wave is about to crash into her. The parent or grandparent sees and will lift the child out of the water.
For today's verse we go to Titus chapter 3 to a verse which doesn't use the word grace but describes what it is.
Titus 3:4 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, NIV
The Message paraphrase states that when we ourselves were stubborn in our sin "God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in." Like the child, we can't save ourselves, it is God's doing, He steps in at the right time, picking us up out of the waves.
The Message paraphrase states that when we ourselves were stubborn in our sin "God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in." Like the child, we can't save ourselves, it is God's doing, He steps in at the right time, picking us up out of the waves.
D.G. Barnhouse writes, "Love that goes upward is worship, love that goes outward is affection, love that stoops is grace. We were not lovely or loveable. God commandeth His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ did for us. (Rom. 5:8)."
When a child is being stubborn or throwing a tantrum, they don't exactly seem loveable at the moment. The loving parent or grandparent sees beyond this, stoops to the child and holds them.
When we are stubborn in our self will, throwing our own tantrums of greed or lust, God steps in with kindness and love and offers grace.
May we experience that when we are tempted to say "I do myself". Remember this statement, "love that stoops is grace."
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Titus 3:1-8
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Titus 3:1-8
3:1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.
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. NIV
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