Kingdom Building
October 4, 2019
Scripture Reading:
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. –2 Timothy 1:8-14
The argument about works and grace should not be an either/or debate. Grace produces works and works validates grace. And yes, grace is a gift we cannot earn, given freely. Yet, how will others know about God’s grace through Jesus Christ, if they do not observe it in Christ’s followers? How do Christ followers know about the needs of those who do not know Jesus, if we do not walk among them and with them? How do we know about Christ’s followers who are being oppressed unless we stand beside them and do God’s justice on their behalf?
This scripture is the source of one of my favorite childhood hymns, I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace, which is no longer in the hymn book used at my church. I do not know whether it fell out of theological or musicological correctness or failed to make the top ten list. It does harken back to a day when God was considered a mystery and thus there were some things we could not explain. Perhaps the time has come to recognize God’s grace once again as mystery to mimic.
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
to me he has made known,
nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
redeemed me for his own.
But “I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed
unto him against that day.”*
Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for the grace of your love. Help us to grow into loving all your children and creation as you have loved us. Amen.
*First verse and chorus of I know not why God’s wondrous grace by D. W. Whittle, see at https://hymnary.org/text/i_know_not_why_gods_wondrous_grace_to_me
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.