...grace...

on two different occasions this week, i have heard and read commentary on the parables that Jesus tells of the prodigal son and the lost sheep. one of the things i used to tell my students was that if they heard me say something more than once, i probably wanted them to pay attention. i guess there must be something in those parables that the Lord wants me to see this week.

i feel like i could spend a lifetime unpacking and trying to understand the truth of the grace of God. the fact that He cares enough for me to leave everything and pursue me (the lost sheep) and that He loves so deeply that He would break both decorum and social expectation to run and meet me when i return to Him after wandering away (the prodigal son).

i've been reading through hebrews, and tonight, i read the verse in chapter 12 that says, "see to it that no one misses the grace of God." i've always thought that that particular line was so...quotable. but i've been realizing what deep truth lies behind that short phrase, and what a responsibility it is for those of us who have experienced His grace. and how miserably i can fail at reflecting it to a world so desperately in need.

the wonderful thing about the grace of God is that it reaches into the depths of drapravity; it goes to uncomfortable places. it touches people right where they are without expecting them to change first. it loves unconditionally and unendingly...no matter what. and my command is to make sure that no one that meets me passes by without seeing that grace reflected in me.

i have been forgiven unconditionally. i can see the grace of God poured into my life every day. and i have the responsibility, ability, and privilege to carry that grace to uncomfortable places and "undesirable" people with the goal of making sure that they don't miss out on the wonders of the grace of God. i want to be able to echo the words of jeremiah: "if i say, 'i will not mention Him or speak anymore in His name, His Word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. i am weary of holding it in; indeed, i cannot.'"