Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Grace Defined


When you think of the word grace, what comes to mind?

Do you think of someone you know that was named, Grace?

How about something you say before a meal as a way of thanksgiving?

What about the way someone walks or holds themselves in a dignified and elegant way or even the grace that is exhibited by a ballet dancer?

These are not the definitions we are looking for, even though they are valid.

The definition we are seeking is the one that Jesus Christ, himself, displayed when He gave the ultimate sacrifice of dying for all of us.

Let's look back at a biblical example to show just what grace means from the Old Testament. In the book of 2 Samuel 9:1-13.

It is the story of a time of King Davids life where he is reflecting on his past, his current life and two promises he made to two very special people in his life.

It was an eastern custom that when a newly elected king is appointed to the throne that all descendants and family members of that previous king were killed.

So when Saul saw that David would become king, he made David vow not to kill him or his family. 1 Samuel 24:20. David also held up a vow made to his good friend Jonathan that was the son of Saul that when he was dying in the war, also asked the same thing of David. 1 Samuel 20:13. So David was bound by two promises not to kill any of Saul and Jonathan's family when he took his throne.

When news got back that Saul and Jonathan had died, this is where we find David reflecting back on those promises of showing a kindness, which roughly defined should mean mercy or grace. The only remaining member of Saul's family was a grandson of Saul and the son of Jonathan. He had been taken away and was being hidden because of the custom of eliminating the previous kings family.

In the process of hearing the death of Saul and Jonathan, the nurse carrying for Jonathan's son rushed out in such a hurry that she dropped the child, thus the reason for him being crippled. His name was Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 4:4

So David begins to fulfill this promise and asks for any remaining member of Sauls family be brought before him. A servant is brought before David, who informs him that the only person left is a crippled boy, unworthy of being in David's presence.

David immediately summons for Mephibosheth who is hiding in the worst places in Israel where he knows no king will look. Once he hears the king wants to see him, he fears the worst and that he is going to die.

However once he arrives at the palace, he drops to his knees before David. David tells him not to be afraid because he is going to show him kindness or in this case grace and completely restore the land and everything that belonged to Saul to him. In addition the servant will now serve Mephibosheth for the remainder of their lives and Mephibosheth will eat at Davids' table always.

See grace is beyond showing a kindness to someone.

Grace is a demonstration of love that is not deserved and can never be repaid. So it is with our salvation. We don't deserve it and never will. There is nothing we can do, no deed or service to God that will earn our way in, because what Jesus did for all of us, can never be repaid. No one can ever do what He did.

He demonstrated perfect love and grace for us. Isn't it time you accepted it from God?

22 comments:

blushing rose said...

Perfect ... beautiful. TY for sharing.

Have a bright sunny day.
TTFN ~Marydon

Deborah Ann said...

I LOVE this story! This is the most perfect picture of God's grace. That could be any one of us at that table, and we are all welcome to come, as we are. Good word for the day!

Andrea said...

Beautiful!

I am continually amazed by GOD's mercy and grace. If it were not for HIS love, mercy, and grace I would likely be in a ditch somewhere or worse.

Blessings, andrea

Catherine Anne said...

Thank you so much for sharing! Beautiful story! Blessings

LeeAnn@Encouragement Is Contagious said...

Just this morning I was thinking about the book by Chuck Swindoll called Grace Awakening, so it is something that you would be talking about Grace on your blog too when I visited.

God's grace is the ultimate! I read Grace Awakening many years ago and it truely was a book that changed me forever. Growing up in with abuse in the home as a young child, I learned to become perfectionistic with trying to earn my way and put unrealistic demands on myself that I couldn't meet. Then I would get very down on myself and feel like a failure. God spoke to me through this book and taught me that His grace was sufficient for all of my needs and that I needed to let go of trying to be perfect!

So for me, God's grace was a Healer!

Thanks Kat, for your wise words and encouraging blog. You are an inspiration to me.

Lee Ann

Mich said...

Grace...the most beautiful gift.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Gods grace is awesome. You are so well informed, I love your dedication to God and the information you share with us.

LisaShaw said...

"Grace is a demonstration of love that is not deserved and can never be repaid. So it is with our salvation. We don't deserve it and never will. There is nothing we can do, no deed or service to God that will earn our way in, because what Jesus did for all of us, can never be repaid. No one can ever do what He did."

Well said, Amen!

I am SO thankful for GOD'S GRACE for HE is GRACE in my life.

Thanks for sharing one of my fav Biblical stories of David.

Love ya.

Saleslady371 said...

God's grace should never be taken for granted. If I open my eyes and look around, I can see it every time. Thanks, Kat.

Hugs,
Mary

Greg C said...

I remember that story. The first thing that popped into my head though was Point of Grace. (the group)But the grace you wrote about has been in my thoughts all day and I thank you for enforcing my feelings. I am trying to get it all down on paper now while it is still with me.

Blessings,
Greg

David C Brown said...

Over 20 times in the Scriptures "grace" comes in the same sentence as the glorious title "Lord Jesus Christ". "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sakes he, being rich, became poor, in order that ye by his poverty might be enriched" sums up grace beautifully.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with all the saints.

LV said...

As always another heartwarming and reminder of better things.

Collette@Jesuslovesmums said...

This is a great explanation and how wonderful is God's grace!
Love Collette xxx
the lyrics to Amazing Grace sum it up for me!

Heidi said...

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. You described it well. Excellent.

BTW, have you always had black as your background color? I find that whenever someone has black as their background, I have trouble getting into their comment box- it loads up slower- does anyone else ever say that? Hmm. Just thinking about it.

Loren said...

Grace ~ thankyou Lord for the grace you have given me! Without it I no doubt would be lost, alone and who knows what else. It truly is one of the most cherished gifts

Mimmy said...

Thank you for sharing this wonderful definition of grace. Continue to look into God's word for all of the wonderful examples of his grace and salvation.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Denise said...

Beautiful words from a beautiful heart.

Denise said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elle Bee said...

God's grace. My favorite subject, and the reason behind our daughter's name. :o)
Elle

COUNTRY MOM said...

Kat, Great post about a great topic... Thank You for sharing. Blessings,

christy rose said...

Wow! Kat, you are rolling with revelation in these last two posts. thanks so much for sharing what God is showing you. Depending upon God's grace and knowing that it is Him and not us that causes us to advance in His promise of provision and transformation of our lives is what keeps us experiencing victory and victory in our lives. Love this too! So good!

Christy

Just Be Real said...

When I think of Grace....I am just learning what Grace truly is.... thank you for sharing Kat! Blessings.