You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 2:1
So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead. Rom. 5:21
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Cor. 15:10
Heavenly Father, the more we read your Word the more we understand your grace to be the most heart-transforming, life-reorienting power in the universe. It’s not a cute, cuddly warm puppy; but a disruptive, liberating kingdom.
Through the Gospel, you haven’t just rescued us from the myth of self-righteousness and the futility of legalism. You’ve released a power in our lives that claims all things and changes everything. This is startling, humbling, worship-producing news.
Paul’s words, “his grace to me was not without effect,” are both arresting and alluring. It’s worth asking: Do I really want to be as free as Paul was?
By your grace, Paul was free to live and die for Jesus; free from seeking man’s approval and indulging the world’s seductions. He was liberated from the lies of Satan and idols of his heart—free to weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Father, forgive us for wanting homogenized and domesticated grace. Your plan isn’t merely to get us into heaven one Day, but to get more of heaven into us every day. Grace doesn’t just free us from a bunch of empty things. It also frees us to no longer live for ourselves but for the one who died for us—Jesus, our wonderful, merciful Savior.
Father, bring a “no-holds-barred,” “no-prisoners-taken,” all-things-new grace revival to our hearts, and churches. Rescue us from ourselves, from our fears and unbelief; from our little dreams and half-hearted worship. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ triumphant and tender name.
