Grace

We are here because of Grace

I once heard a friend of mine say that more than a democracy
this country is a meritocracy, that is everything you get is on merit.
To say it another way, "WE GET WHAT WE DESERVE"

Many people go a step further, they live lives based
on liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
They say I have a right to this or that thing, and they
will go to any length to secure their so-called rights.

There is no doubt that some people may deserve
this or that compensation or be entitled to 'a better life'
or in fact may not deserve what they are claiming, but
what about gifts?...yes what about things we receive
that have nothing to do with merit or rights.

Do you deserve a better birthday gift?
or better wedding present?...or in a few days
on christmas....will you say on christmas
morning as you look under the tree
I deserve all these gifts?

We are here because of Grace!
Our dad uncle sonny as some of us knew him
always seemed to me to be pointing people
to look beyond themselves.

I do not know for sure
but I suspect that on that
november day many years ago
as he and my mom looked at their
new born, their first born...they may
have both been thinking....
we do not deserve this beautiful blessing.
....Grace is mostly a bible word that means
unmerted or undeserved.

I was not there but I believe our parents
may have been thinking these things
because I later learned from my dad
that "the Grace of God that brings salvation
has appeared to all men teaching them that
denying ungodliness and worldly lust, we should
live soberly and righteously IN THIS PRESENT WORLD."

...that is a direct quote of a passage from the bible book
of Titus...our dad was a deep thinker and a prolific writer
but much of his writings remain unpublished in the traditional sense....
it is true however that our lives bear some kind of testimony
to the things that he believed and taught....he did print a piece
that may still be in circulation somewhere entitled "TAKE STOCK"

the article was in the form of a gospel tract and it was about
Grace.....God's Grace....so as I said today we are here because
of Grace....we all know who is this Grace....
but do we all know what is that Grace?....
the Grace of God?

HERE IS HOW ONE SONG WRITER PUT IT.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Refrain

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

“Where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:20
AMEN

(remarks on the occasion of the celebration of the birthdate of Grace 11/29/09)