DECEMBER 2024 - DEVOTION
GRACE AS CONQUEROR
“So might Grace reign” – Romans 5:21
IN SONG
This morning, I was performing some small tasks around the house, mixing the wok with prayer, when I found myself singing the classic hymn 'Amazing Grace'. I suspect everyone reading this offering knows it well. While not technically a theological discourse, it renders many spiritual truths that speak to a believer's head and heart. As the song's title suggests, the lyrics are indeed an amazing proclamation of what Grace brings to those who receive it.
In the first stanza alone, these truths include:
- Grace is the power God employs to bring Salvation to sinners – 'that saved a wretch like me.'
- Grace is how God unites sinners with Himself – 'I once was lost but now am found.'
- Grace cures the Spiritual blindness that separates men from God– “Twas blind but now I see.'
The third stanza’s theme focuses on:
- Grace successfully guides the believer through numerous challenges – 'through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come, Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far.'
- Grace guiding the believer safely to our eternal home – 'and Grace will lead me home.'
The last stanza is a magnificent celebration of the end that awaits God’s people.
- Eternal glory – ‘When we’ve been there ten thousand years’
- Eternal state – ' Bright shining as the sun.'
- Eternal presence of God – 'We've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun.''
Let those words lift you today.
THE SECOND STANZA
No, I didn't forget about the second stanza. It passionately celebrates how extraordinary God's Grace is the moment we receive it, or as John Newton exclaimed when he penned these words in 1772, 'how precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed.' Not only did I not forget this stanza, but I also want to end on its first two lines: ‘Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear, and Grace my fears relieved.' Is there any greater work the Holy Spirit performs than using Grace to cause us to see our need for the Grace that brings Salvation through the proper fear of God and then employing Grace to relieve our reasonable fear of His judgment? And if the Grace of God can relieve the ultimate fear of judgment for sin, that same Grace can relieve you of whatever you fear today. It has already accomplished the most complex task possible. Let God's Grace relieve all your fears today in Jesus' name.
