The Wonder Of Grace

In his book “What’s So Amazing About Grace?”, Philip Yancey, wrote “Grace teaches us that God loves because of who God is, not because of who we are.”

In today’s passage, this amazing grace was demonstrated through God’s reply. Judah had broken their covenant with God countless times over the years. Despite that, God was not only willing to forgive them but desired to restore and renew their covenantal relationship. As if that was not enough, God promised that this new covenant would be an everlasting one. In fact, God even went so far to promise that He “will never stop doing good to them” and even “rejoices in doing them good”.

Imagine how the people of Judah would have felt at this point. They knew they deserved the impending judgement and calamity God was bringing on them. They should be feeling ashamed and discouraged. They did not deserve any pardon or second chances. Yet God in all His goodness extends His arms of grace to them, assuring them of the restoration of their relationship with Him. How incredible, astounding and beautiful is that?

This is precisely the message of the Gospel. God does not excuse sin but treasures the sinner. The abundant grace of God is available to all, regardless of what we have done. Just as Judah could not do anything to earn a relationship with God, likewise, there is nothing we can do to deserve this precious gift of a relationship with God. Though we were sinful and beyond hope, God reached out to us and initiated reconciliation with us through Christ.

Judah could look forward to its future eternal restoration because of God’s assurance. Today, as we seek a personal revival, we can take heart that God wants to draw us back into an intimate relationship with Him. Remember that our journey with Christ started not because of what we had done, the good we had achieved or who we are. All credit goes to our Lord Jesus whose abounding grace and mercy allowed us to draw near to Him.

Where would you be today, if not for God’s grace that rescued you? Take time to ponder upon God’s grace in your life. Be reminded of how scandalous, irrational and comforting God’s amazing grace is. As you do so, begin to thank and worship God for who He is.

"God, how can it be that You, my God, should die for me? Help me rediscover the wonder of Your grace in my life."