Saturday, January 8, 2022
THE MEASURE!
Eph 4:7
7 But unto every one of us is given grace
according to the measure of
the gift of Christ.
Ps 23:5
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the
presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
The word “gift” in Ephesians 7 is the Greek word dorea
and it literally means “a gratuity.” If I go to a restaurant, I understand that
my wait person does not make much money and that it is expected that I leave a
tip. Nevertheless, the tip is unearned and, more often than not, undeserved. So,
it is with God’s grace.
Grace is unmerited
favor and flows
from the generous hand of God. Now we learn that it is given in measure, and it
is given individually. In other words, God gives me MY measure! It is enough to
meet my needs and it fills MY cup. Deut
33:25 promises us that “as thy days, so shall thy strength be.” The
psalmist felt overly blessed and so he tells us that his cup was overflowing.
If grace is unmerited
favor, why does
God only give it in measure? I think it is because it is given as
needed. Today I may need much grace or perhaps less than yesterday. I
didn’t and still don’t deserve it, but God fills my emptiness with His grace.
Gifts are not toys to play with. They are tools to build with.
James Ryle asks another important question regarding
grace. I quote him here: “If Grace is “unmerited favor” then why can you fall
from grace? Why would God freely give me something I clearly do not deserve,
and then make it possible for me to lose it if I don’t start acting like I
deserve it? Do I get it for free, but then have to keep it by my behavior?”
Gen 32:10
Jacob said: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the
truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over
this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.
Dear Lord, I lift my empty cup to you today. I
don’t deserve the least of all thy mercies, but please give me the measure you
know I need today. AMEN
No comments:
Post a Comment