1 JOHN 3:1-3 – “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”
THEME OF THE DAY: TRULY IT IS AMAZING GRACE. It is likely the most familiar hymn of all time. Even among unbelievers who might have some exposure to Christianity. The author was John Newton and the hymn is Amazing Grace. Here are the first three verses . . .
Amazing grace (how sweet the sound)
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come:
’tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
Take a moment and ponder just how amazing God’s grace is toward us. First, amazing grace is not something we deserve, can earn, or is owed to us by our God. Grace is freely given and exclusively out of the kind, merciful, and benevolent heart of God – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Another truth about God’s amazing grace is that it never is in short supply. Or we may say, “The well of God’s amazing grace never runs dry.” The Apostle Paul would tell us who he was because of God’s amazing grace, and this grace constantly worked in him, never to cease until final glorification – “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me” (1 Corinthians 15:10).
A final heart-warming truth about God’s amazing grace is in today’s scripture. The Apostle John brings forth the incredible love of God our Father in declaring us to be His adopted children. And not just going to be but are His children now – Beloved, we are God’s children now. I know what might be crossing our minds – “But I don’t always live up to being a child of God.” No, we don’t, yet, God sees and owns us as His children regardless. Why? Amazing grace. We also might have some doubts, fears, and feelings wanting to convince us we are not God’s children. That is part of the warfare we fight, yet, God still sees and owns us as His children despite these fiery darts from the devil. Why? Amazing grace.
John Newton really got the truth of God’s amazing grace right in his glorious hymn. Now might be a good time to sing it to the Lord. Spend a few moments in worship acknowledging just how amazing is God’s amazing grace.
PRAYER: Father, how I praise You for Your amazing grace that saves me and adopts me into Your family.
REFLECTION: Don’t look at our conduct/performance for being in God’s family. Rest on His amazing grace that made it so.