Monday, 17 February, 2003

We continue with selections from The Justification Reader by Thomas C. Oden.



The way of grace is sharply contrasted with the way of works, by which we are prone to seek to achieve merit: "And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace" (Romans 11:6).

These ways are contrasted: "Grace shows the love for (humankind) of the one who gives it, but works demand compensation according to what they are worth" (Diodore of Tarsus)... The deep motive of God's saving action is simply stated: "He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy" (Titus 3:5).



I know there are many things within our lives that "go over the limit" of what we can accept. At times it has to do with having our world fall within the borders of "the way it must be." Like the world being flat. Don't try to tell me the world isn't flat...it is insanity to think that the world isn't flat. If it was round, we'd all fall off...wouldn't we!?!

Our God invites us to let go of all the ways we think we must make things stack up...or make sure that others make everything stack up - just so. God gives love to us...God takes us and holds us...beseeches us to rest in God alone...works for us and is on our side so that there is no work left for us to do. We stand within our relationship with God because of God's graciousness and eternal mercy. This is where I life is to begin...again and again...each and every day.



Connection: It can be so easy to fall for other stories that try to spell out our worth. We can literally kill ourselves trying to live up to one storyline or another. In Christ, we are not called to live up to any story but the one that begins and ends with God eternally for us. In everyday terms, that may not seem like much...until that is...the power of the Holy Spirit encourages us to trust God's grace and be lifted up to live.



How wonderful it is to be within reach of your gracious announcement of new life that you shower over us each of our days. Gracious Lord, shape us by your love and nurture in us the expectation that your love is always waiting for us and continues to grow from day to day. Amen.