Hello Friends,
What a great discussion last night. I am still so impacted by the idea that grace is something that happens to us. I appreciated all of you comments last night as we started this journey of growth.
As a result of never making it to chapter 2, you encouraged me to start a blog discussion about the chapter during the week, so here we go.
I don't know about you, but I love the idea of God stooping down to me. Who am I that he would stoop down for me? In Max Lucado's opening story in the chapter about the woman that was caught in the very act of adultery, he makes the statement on page 18, "No one would speak for her. But someone would stoop for her." One of the big things that I hope we went away with last night was the fact that "grace is everything Jesus!"
"Grace is something that happens to us, it has a drenching about it, there is a wildness about it, riptide, turn-you-upside-downess about it. Grace comes after you."
In chapter 2, on page 19 Lucado makes a statement I would like for us to discuss today:
I wonder how "Grace is a God who stoops," applies to us today? How does it impact your life that Grace is a God who stoops? What would you say?
There are many accusers out there and there is one who is the master. Will you listen the one who stands up in front of everyone and screams his accusations or will you listen to the One who stoops?
Thoughts?
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ReplyDeleteWe use the word grace every day. "Grace period", " a grace note", "a politician falling from grace". But in reality, in the literary presence of the word do we ever stop and reach out to the Grace extended to us by God? Grace is God loving, God stooping, God coming to the rescue, God giving himself generously in and through Jesus Christ
ReplyDeleteGod stoops to us to wrap us in His grace more times than we could ever know. The little things that require a subtle arm around our shoulder, the immediate things that require a swift kick in the pants, and the incredible things that are changed by the quiet, still voice of His grace. It is humbling to realize that the creator of the universe stoops down to me, wraps His arms around me, and lifts me up, a beloved child touched and forever changed by his ever present, all consuming Grace!
ReplyDeleteI am still amazed "Jesus is in us" and through his presence we are able to exhibit grace. In many incidences Jesus "stooped" down below those who were challenging Him. John 8:6-10. When we are faced with adversarial challenges we are quick to fight of flight. Jesus acknowledged what they brought forward, but through grace he provoke thought rather than reactions. Many times grace is finding ways to promote peace, forgiveness, and mercy.
DeleteJoyce, I love that thought that being a promoter of peace, forgiveness and mercy is extending grace. I am also still moved by how grace comes after us. God pursues us.
DeleteJesus will meet me wherever I am at whatever level I need. He is always there for me no matter what. God's grace sustains me through all my mistakes and all of life's troubles. His grace provides me the hope I need so I can conquer the future God has planned for me.
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