Put in Place to See His Grace

“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty…’ He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: ‘Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.’” Luke 17:10; 18:9-14

“Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:22-24

Jesus entered the world in humility and His public ministry in unbounded love to draw people to the nature and majesty of His salvation. His very simplicity and straightforward manner exposed both underlying and obvious sin, and His glorious grace shone in stark contrast to dull thinking. By interaction, illustration, and strategic engagement with individuals, our Savior repeatedly told the story of lost man in desperate need and Savior to the rescue, an enticement only the hard-hearted could (and would) refuse. He was King, and we by mercy His servants, and that is the best and most privileged place to be. (Mark 10:45; Luke 19:10)

‘Tis a habit dangerous to our spiritual health to think we deserve the riches of God. This parading of rights stems from pride in our accomplishment, when what we need is to be undone. Once we recognize that we’ve been freed from slavery to sin to become slaves to righteousness and Christ Himself, and that this gift from Jesus pours forth from His mercy, not our desert, we will fall on our faces and thank Him. It is in the low place we best grasp His grace. (Luke 15:25-32; 17:12-19; 18:35-43; Romans 6:18)

Are there things about my place in life that chafe and unsettle and make me feel put-upon? Times I think I deserve better, or have earned the right to a little rest, a little special treatment? How might it elevate my attitude, my outlook on service, my sense of honor for work, if I gazed at the manger, and the cross? (Philippians 2:3-11)

“Come to Bethlehem and see
him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord, the newborn King.” ~English paraphrase by James Chadwick

My Lord, keep me ever in my place as Your privileged servant, faithful and grateful for all You entrust to me. May my living show forth the glories and praise of your bountiful grace. (Luke 19:12-13,16-17,26)