You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus..
It’s a new work week. Duh. It’s Monday. Many think yuck! Others say, “Crud” (or worse). We feel tired and the week has just started. Many problems will be blamed on Monday.
“Well, you know, it is Monday…”
For believers, however, there should be no better day of the week. No I’m not crazy. No, I haven’t had strong drink.
It’s simply true. Monday should be our best day of the week. We’ve been in the Word. We’ve been with believers. We’ve had two days off, typically. We’re rested, strong and focused. We’ve worshiped the Lord in spirit and in truth on Sunday so Monday should be our day! We’ve been filled up with God! We’ve been clearly reminded of and revived with the awesome grace of God.
No, it doesn’t always work that way and I understand. I also know that not all of us had the wonderful privilege of truly lifting our hearts and hands and opening our mouths and minds freely to the Lord Jesus. It’s sad, but true. Yet, hear the words that Paul gave to Timothy in II Timothy 2:1.
“You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…”
Be strong today in grace. Legalism and traditionalism are easy. These take no strength and provide no lasting power. They are empty and demoralizing. They do not produce joy, they steal it. They are about us not about Him.
Grace requires strength but in return provides strength. And truly, even the strength it requires is given to us through God’s indwelling Spirit. Grace is all about God. Through the grace that is found in Christ Jesus we experience forgiveness of sins, fullness, strength and the ongoing love of our Lord. But know this, it requires us to be strong. Those who have heard of and received this grace; i.e. salvation through Christ’s work, must be strong when facing those who have banked everything on their own accomplishments. We must stand firmly upon the promises of God even in the face of those who, by their own “good works theology”, attempt to demean and demote the grace of God. The joy of the Lord found in His grace alone will be our strength.
May his precious grace be alive in your life today. May you stand firmly upon it and be strong in this grace that is found only in Christ Jesus our Lord. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be ashamed. He is a gracious and merciful God. It’s Gospel….
“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David – that is my gospel…” II Tim. 1:8
Ventanas 