Jerusalem

 

Pastor Bob's Two Minute Devotion
July 30, 2012

 

Grace and Peace

 

 


The Apostle Paul began his letters to the early churches with a benediction.

 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

These gentle words rallied the early Christians together as no strident battle cry could.

  • In a time of legal corruption and cruelty, they were offered GRACE.
  • In a time of fear and persecution, they were offered PEACE.
  • In a time when kings and rulers demanded unreasonable service and tribute, he called God OUR FATHER.
  • In a time when the horror of Jesus dying on the cross was only yesterday's news, he paired the Son with the Father and called him the LORD JESUS CHRIST.

Today, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ offer us GRACE and PEACE. So why do we lack PEACE? Jonah may have had the answer on this. In Jonah chapter 2 verse 8 he says,"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

 

"But," we say, "we don't worship idols." What is an idol? Anything that stands between us and God - anything we pursue more than we seek after God. Things like fame and fortune or comfort and pleasure can become idols if we hold them in such high regard that we prefer them to what God teaches us.

 

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

 

Are we giving up peace because we will not let go of earthly desires and possessions?

 

There is no grace and peace except from God our Father, the fountain and originator of all blessings, the Father of lights, from whom comes every good and perfect gift. James 1:17.  Grace is God's unconditional love and forgiveness and Peace is the result of that Grace.   

 

There is no grace and peace except in and through our Lord Jesus Christ as Mediator. Inward peace springs from a sense of divine favor.

 

What are you holding on to that stands between you and God? Is it worth forfeiting the GRACE and PEACE that could be yours?

 

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

 

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
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