Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 24, 2015
Grace and peace to you…from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Revelation 1:4-5
Grace and peace are gifts from God that every human heart craves. Grace for sustaining strength during sickness and peace in the process. Grace for repeatable forgiveness in a challenging relationship and peace that produces patience. Grace for ongoing gratitude and peace when things don’t go our way. Grace for generous giving and peace in God’s faithful provision. A heart governed by grace and peace is a heart loved by the Lord. Grace and peace come from Jesus.
John, secluded in exile, saw His Lord more clearly once departed than when he was with Him. Jesus Christ the faithful witness gives His children grace and peace. How? Because we know He is the faithful witness of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Jesus offered testimony to the reality of who God is. Jesus’ sonship gave His story veracity, so He stated the facts with humble authority. Jesus testifies to truth. His reassuring words extend grace and peace.
“The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37).
Moreover, grace and peace come to those who believe Jesus is the firstborn from the dead. Others, like Lazarus, rose from the dead—but they died again. Jesus Christ was the first to rise, never to die. Faith in the resurrection is essential for the Lord’s grace and peace. We cannot remove the supernatural from Jesus and just keep the natural. Trust in Christ’s resurrection is the key that unlocks the treasure chest of riches found in His grace and peace. Those who embrace miracles embrace Jesus. These hugs from heaven warm our hearts by His loving care.
Furthermore, we serve a benevolent King who freely gives His grace and peace. Tranquility only comes to a heart that trusts in Christ as their Lord. Crown Him conqueror over death—and enjoy His grace and peace while dying. Crown Him Lord over fear—and receive His grace and peace while afraid. Crown Him all wise King—and learn how to make the best decisions. Crown Him Lord over sin—and apply His grace and peace when in need of forgiveness. Whatever we face, Christ has faced—and has overcome. Thus, we come to the One who is full of grace and peace!
“Who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance” (1 Peter 1:2).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for grace and peace You give me in Your son Jesus Christ.
Application: Who or what do I need to entrust to Jesus? Have I received His grace and peace?
Related Readings: Isaiah 55:4; Psalm 89:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Timothy 6:15; 2 John 1:3
Post/Tweet this today: Whatever we face, Christ has faced and has overcome. Thus, we come to Him. #graceandpeace #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 4 minute music video- Fernando Ortega: Grace and Peace
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