Unexpected Grace

N.T. Wright writes: "God never wastes anything—not even our mistakes. Saul’s violent past would become a testimony of transforming grace."

As we reflect on the remarkable story of Saul/Paul (Acts 9) it always serves as a reminder to me of God's unexpected grace. We could have imagined any number of punishments for Saul, especially when he was murdering Christians, yet God had other ideas. 

The Lord's way of dealing with an angry zealot was to change his heart and give him new spiritual insight. In time, Paul would become one of the greatest ambassadors for Jesus. 

“He is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings...” (Acts 9:15)

Thought: Who are we eager to write-off at times? Is it possible to imagine their lives changed for the Gospel?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The unveiling and the invitation

We soon discover that there are not enough days to pause and reflect on the power of Jesus' resurrection. Our 40 days of Lenten preparation are over in a flash, and suddenly the world seeks to rush back to its old way of life. 

But surely, we can't just wake up and pronounce: 'Life as usual!' There has to be some change in us or at least a sincere desire to know more of this new life in Christ. Life shouldn't just carry on as usual, because there was nothing 'normal' about the resurrection. 

“The resurrection completes the inauguration of God's kingdom.... It is the decisive event demonstrating that God's kingdom really has been launched on earth as it is in heaven.... "The message of Easter is that God's new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you're now invited to belong to it.”- N. T. Wright

Let us remember that Jesus has unveiled the new kingdom and we have been invited to belong to it. How do you respond to that invitation?

1 Peter 1:3 - Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Lent thoughts

Sometimes one just needs to read the wisdom of those who have progressed a little further down the road of life, love and faith. Enjoy these thoughts as we travel deeper into Lent and closer to the Cross.

“No act of virtue can be great if it is not followed by advantage for others. So, no matter how much time you spend fasting, no matter how much you sleep on a hard floor and eat ashes and sigh continually, if you do no good to others, you do nothing great.” -  John Chrysostom 

“Lent is a time for discipline, for confession, for honesty, not because God is mean or fault- finding or finger-pointing but because he wants us to know the joy of being cleaned out, ready for all the good things he now has in store.” -  N.T. Wright  

Jesus -  "Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” (Matthew 9:13)


May you have a blessed day.

Living in Grace
D3LM3