Amazing Grace

As I'm reading through the Old Testament for the first time, my eyes are being opened to just how stubborn and rebellious the Israelites really were. They questioned God's promises. (Exodus 17: 7) They resented His deliverance. (Exodus 16:1-2) They forgot His faithfulness every time they were in need. (Exodus 17:3) And when I learned what they did while Moses was up on Mount Sinai with God, I just could hardly believe it. (Exodus 32:1-6) They were so infuriating that even God wanted to give up on them at times. (Exodus 9:13) Yet He continued to deliver and bless His chosen people.

So I began to wonder like never before-why them? What is it about them that God loves so much? Why would He choose such a "stiff necked and stubborn people"? (His words, not mine--Deuteronomy 9:13) And then I heard a teaching on that very subject yesterday on the radio . I was surprised at the wrong-ness in my thinking. All this time, I'd been looking for some goodness in His chosen people that must've prompted Him to choose them. I forgot that the Bible teaches that "there is none righteous, not even one." (Romans 3:10). I forgot that it was never about them; it's always been about Him.

God didn't choose the Israelites in spite of their stubbornness. He chose the Israelites BECAUSE of their stubbornness and lack of devotion. He chose them because they were the least likely to succeed. He knew that when they failed Him for the millionth time, His grace would shine even brighter. He chose them because "where sin abounded, grace abounded much more." (Romans 5:20)  You see, "God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,  that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!)  For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.  So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)

Grace. It was always about grace. Not the Israelites' goodness or worthiness. Not their lovability.  And not yours or mine. It was always God's grace.

Rememeber that when you look back on your life, because, if you have chosen to follow Christ, you are also one of God's chosen ones now. (Romans 11:17)  It doesn't matter how unlovable or disobedient you've been. It doesn't matter what kind of mess you've made of your life. All that matters is that His grace is sufficient for you. (2 Corinthians 12:9) "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Like never before, I thank Him for His amazing grace.

Father, thank You that Your grace is not earnable. You knew I would never be able to afford it. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning; You knew that I would need them.  Thank You, Father,  that You always love me anyway, no matter what.

In His merciful love,

Amy

copyright 2010, Amy Wallace