The Abounding Grace of God
The Abounding Grace of God

When we refer to something or someone as our "point of reference", it means something to which we can refer to in order to check direction and progress, something that orientates and helps us understand better. As Disciples of Jesus it is a wonderful privilege to be able to draw on His word as our compass, our centre, and our guide. The Bible, Holy Scripture is a limitless treasure trove of resources that help in this regard. The Bible is not just black ink on white paper, but it is the all-powerful, all enduring Word of God. We have the Holy Spirit who illuminates our comprehension of these verses enabling us to understand and exegete (interpret) them. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you" John 14:26. "For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict" Luke 21:15. God places such pre-eminence on His Word that He challenged, even Heaven and earth would pass away, but not His Word! So if you have the Word of God as your 'point of reference' you have all you need!

It's one thing to have the knowledge, the theory - but it's only the practical application of the instruction that will yield the benefit and eventuate the fullest possible potential of the outcome. I'm reminded of Jesus' constant antagonistic debates Him with the religious leaders of the day. None of them marvelled at His miracles, instead they would throw the book at Him! It was always about His breaking a law, transgressing a rule and rebelling against their orthodox teachings. He was ridiculed for healing on the Sabbath, for proclaiming Himself to be the Son of God, the Messiah; for eating and associating with tax-collectors and sinners; the list goes on. Jesus' responses were always revolutionary and thought provoking, His words were crisp, simple, yet deeply profound and provocative - He often said 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.' Once a woman caught in the act of adultery was brought before Jesus by the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. "In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women, now what do you say?" When they persisted in their questioning, Jesus replied, "Let anyone of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her!" One by one, they dropped their stones and walked away, the older ones first until only Jesus was left with the woman still standing there. "Woman where are your accusers?" "Has no one condemned you?" "No one Sir, she replied. "Then neither do I condemn you, "go now and leave your life of sin!" He declared.

These are demonstrations of Grace Verses the Law. You see the law prescribes, it dictates but Grace bestows, it gives undeservingly, immeasurably and generously. Imagine just Jesus and the woman remaining - Imagine just you and Jesus remaining - no accusers, no condemnation no rule book, just the Grace of God releasing and setting you free. "Go now and leave your life of sin" - what a powerful declaration, how liberating, how freeing. He came to set the captives free and whom the Son sets free is free indeed. It's easy to slip into the pious robes of the Pharisee, to play devil's advocate but we need to reserve our judgments, our accusations, our prejudices and align them with our 'point of reference', always begging the question, what would Jesus do?

1 John 5:4-5 "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God!"