Oh, the Depths of Grace!
I've said it. You've said it or thought it—at least I'm pretty sure you said it… “This generation is... Those people over there... My employees... They just think they are entitled to...”
We sort of cringe at the idea of entitlement, especially if you are a person who has worked hard for whatever you have received. But can I just ask you to hit pause for a minute and ask yourself if, just maybe, some of what we are and some of what we have wasn’t earned but rather was in fact a gift of someone's grace or a little dose of mercy that we might have received along the way?
As the early church emerged on the scene, there were some who felt they were spiritually entitled. Imagine that, thinking that because of your family or ethnic tree you had certain privileges. I'm glad we have all grown past that problem! (My sarcasm includes my guilt.) Paul in Romans 11 addresses this issue and in doing so reminds the church that even the revered prophet Elijah believed he was the only prophet left doing his job, or at least doing it right, but at some point, God told him, “I have a few thousand others that I've kept hidden and have not turned to Baal.” Paul says that God kept a remnant, a group of followers to carry on His mission.
“So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace."
I am thankful for the grace that allowed me to be born after the Resurrection and not before! I would have been a horrible law keeper! I am a disciplined person, but there is no way I could have kept the rules of the Old Testament. And neither could anyone else. I'm just glad my faith journey started in Jesus and not before! But in the early church there were some who took pride in their law-abiding days that came primarily from their birth into a Jewish family, and they believed that with that heritage came certain rights and privileges. I'm sure it is nothing like modern day Christians who say or at least think, “Well, I've been a part of this community for 5 generations..." Or, “My great-grandfather was a founding member of First...” Or, “I was working here when...” The problem is that when we think or say something like that, we creep toward a position of entitlement that, based on our history, says that we know more, can do better, and have a right to something based on our superior pedigree.
Paul reminds the early church, as he reminds us, that we are what we are based on the mercy and grace of God, made possible through the indescribable love of Christ! Take a minute and consider Paul's words.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Based on this marvelous foundation of grace, Paul calls us to a response. We move from a position of pride in our past achievements and heritage and instead offer a sacrifice of gratitude by offering ourselves completely to God.
Father, forgive us for the moments we slip into the mentality that thinks and acts like we deserve a special place in the church or in our various communities. Thank you for the mercy and grace that flows to us because of the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins. Today we are filled with gratitude for the new life that is ours because of Jesus. Use us today to share your grace and mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
Romans 12:1-7, 9-13 ESV
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