Monday, September 1, 2014
By: Rebecca Landry
You Deserve This!
Luke 15:18-20 I will get up and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men." So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him....
I was recently blessed with the opportunity to take a short vacation with some wonderful ladies. A much needed break from the duties of being mom and cake decorator. When I excitedly told everyone about my upcoming trip, I heard a lot of "That's great! You really deserve that!" from people. It made me feel good, but it also made me reflect on the entire concept of deserving something.
DESERVE. When I hear that word I remember the way a pastor once explained the basic concept of grace and mercy. Grace is God giving us what we DON'T deserve, and mercy is God saving us from what we DO deserve.
The truth is that every single one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). None of us DESERVE goodness because we are not good. But the amazing thing is that God gives us good things in spite of that ... He gives us GRACE!
Today's verses reference the prodigal son who ran off acting foolish and wasting his inheritance. He came home knowing that he didn't deserve to be accepted as his father's son after what he had done, but his father did what God does. When we go to God with a repentant heart, He welcomes us with open arms. So, no, there is nothing that I could do to deserve God's grace, but He gives it to me because He loves me.
I challenge you to reevaluate the things you think you "deserve." Recognize that every blessing sent your way is because of God's love and grace --- not because of anything you could have done.
Dear Lord, Thank you for giving me good things. Take away any sense of entitlement I may have and replace it with utter gratefulness for all that You are and all that You give me.
I thank You Jesus for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.
Reflection: Am I recognizing His GRACE or still thinking that I've earned my blessings somehow?
|
