Steve Higginbotham, in an audio sermon, tells of preaching on the Grace of God at South Green. An individual in congregation had not been living for the Lord at all; was not a Christian. This man, in his 50′s I think received word that He had inoperable cancer and only a short time to live. He then decided to obey the Gospel. He was very faithful but lived only 2 months and died.
Steve tells of being in a Bible class soon after and a lady was complaining about this man and saying that because of his past life he did not deserve to go to Heaven and wanted Steve’s thoughts on this. Steve said, yes, you are right he did not deserve to go to Heaven; but in fact neither do you or I do. It seems that this sister was resenting the grace of God.
Steve talked about the Parable of master hiring the workers at different times of the day and paying them the same wage. The ones hired earlier resented the master’s generosity. (grace) Do we “resent “the grace of God?”
Some great thoughts, Larry. We seem to want it both ways–by law and by grace. We are uncomfortable with, “Jesus paid it all; all to Him I owe.” We want the credit. We’ve been studying Cain and Abel Wednesdays. Cain resented Abel’s offering being accepted. After all, Cain probably worked a lot harder to raise his vegetables than Abel had to work with his flocks. A dirt-farmer has it hard. The offering of the animal with its blood was an admission of personal unworthiness and acceptance that innocent blood was being sacrificed for one’s shortcomings. That’s humiliating to sonme!
Ron–thanks so much for your comments– some seem to have a problem contrasting grace with works. Both are taught in the Word of God. Dr. jack Cottrell said– “Under “Law” we have to work; under “Grace” we get to work for the Lord.”
Larry thanks for doing a great job of spreading God,s Word, I enjoy the comments etc. also think it is great that you post the Bible reading so we are able to read or listen, it is great for some of us older folks who have trouble with their eyes. I was reading it out loud to my Wife and now we both can listen together, helps us through the day, God Bless You
Hi Larry,
Looking great as always. I agree with your assessment. Far too much are we avoiding the grace of God for someone else (rather it be this man or the bum on the street, prostitute or even Pres. Obama) in order to hide some personal turmoil in our lives. I wonder if this lady had some sin in her life that was unrepented and was doubting her own salvation? Doesn’t 1 John 5:13 teach us that we can KNOW that we have eternal life? Amen!
Larry, I think the point in this lesson is a very needed one. I’m sure there are many people who struggle with God’s generosity of grace. Once in awhile I also catch myself thinking “that person doesn’t deserve it.” But then, as you remind us so well, I don’t deserve it either. An understanding of the wrath of God and His punishment for the disobedient will also help us to keep those thoughts (of resenting the grace of God) away.