What is God's grace?

What is God's grace?

Today I am going to give an extension to yesterday's message relating to Isaiah 44:22 "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you". Yesterday I concentrated on the cloud representing deep depression and very trying circumstances, with the mist representing the residue of these circumstances. All is thoroughly obliterated by God. Today I concentrate on the fact that the cloud of offences are those intentional and wilfully wrong actions of ours. The Hebrew word for the mist is a different one, relating to our unintentional, failures and shortcomings. So, God is saying that he has eliminated/forgiven us of all of our intentional and unintentional sins. God's attitude is not what we would likely expect, of us needing to turn to Him first and then He will forgive us of our sins, as a reward for doing what He wants. Instead, God is extending grace. What is meant by God's grace is that God is giving to us in love first, not as a bribe or as a reward but because He loves us. Then, He wants us to turn back to Him as our Father and choose not to sin any longer.

Sweeping away of a dark cloud

Today I see a big black cloud being swept away, leaving a bright blue sky. In the book of Prophet Isaiah (44:22) we read God's word to His people: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me for I have redeemed you". In the original Hebrew, the implication is of complete elimination of a very heavy cloud, through God's power and authority, which could represent deep depression or very difficult circumstances. As well as the cloud, God is going to drive away the metaphorical residual damp mist. We know how the impact of negative situations, even if eliminated, can linger. God will eliminate that too. God asks us to come to Him, whatever our circumstances, and He will change whatever needs to be changed in our lives, whether circumstantially or our emotions. God moves the cloud and its residue. He wants you to have that clear blue sky.

A bird not quite ready for flight

Today I saw a bird up on his legs but on the ground, rather than flying. I then sensed the words, 'Time heals' and that the bird was waiting for the time he could fly again. Similarly, we have heard that over time, our hurts, pains, griefs and traumas ease. This easing process cannot be measured or absolutely assured and there are the inevitable scars. However, what we choose to do over the passage of time has effect and impact. Are our reflections positive and healthy? Are we reaching out for support from loved ones? What are we doing with our time? Speaking out our emotions helps. God's Word certainly points us in the right direction in our thinking and He does love us and want to listen to us. We might need to break out of a shell - of a physical and/or mental place. Healing over time will happen, however slowly, and may bump back and forth sometimes, but it does happen. Like the bird in today's picture, God will help you get up on your feet and eventually fly again. The often quoted verse from prophet Isaiah may help: "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31)

A metronome

Today I saw a classic pyramid-shaped METRONOME which provides a consistent rhythmic beat, controlled by an adjustable weight on a swinging pendulum. This is a good reminder to keep in time with God's pace and to go to Him for peace and calmness, as Jesus reminded His disciples as recounted in Matthew 11:28: " Come to me all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". Going to God on a consistent basis requires a decision to do so and then effort, as with most exercises, and then because of its effectiveness it becomes easier and enjoyable. Following God's rhythm in life is safe-guarding and rewarding. Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 encourages us also to not despair or feel discouragement if we are following God's Will and His rhythm actively but can't yet see the fruit: "Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up". We do not need to speed up, rush, slow down or stop if we are following God's Will for us. Trust in His pace for you.

Vertical and horizontal lines

Today I saw horizontal lines and vertical lines in my mind's eye which then moved me to reflect on the vertical wooden structure Jesus hung on, with His arms outstretched on the horizontal wood. It is totally significant and intentional that Jesus died this way. Ancient Jewish law dictated that anyone who committed a crime and was thus hung on a (wooden) pole to die was cursed by God (see Old Testament book Deuteronomy 21:23). Apostle Paul quotes from this passage in his letter to the church in Galatia: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us as it is written 'Cursed is anyone who is hung on a pole' (Galatians 3:1). So, basically, Paul is saying that Jesus was our sacrifice, redeeming humanity from that curse of the law by literally being cursed on our behalf. What should we be cursed for, if it wasn't for Jesus hung on the 'pole'? Our sins. This is why Christians declare, with gratitude, that Jesus took our sins on the cross. This in no way means we think we don't sin. It is the opposite. We know we sin and we are so grateful to God for saving us from the curse which means death. Instead, we are now offered eternal life. No wonder we are so grateful!