8 “Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs.” (Jonah 2 – NIV)
15-17 Yet the rescuing gift is not exactly parallel to the death-dealing sin. If one man’s sin put crowds of people at the dead-end abyss of separation from God, just think what God’s gift poured through one man, Jesus Christ, will do! There’s no comparison between that death-dealing sin and this generous, life-giving gift. The verdict on that one sin was the death sentence; the verdict on the many sins that followed was this wonderful life sentence. If death got the upper hand through one man’s wrongdoing, can you imagine the breathtaking recovery life makes, sovereign life, in those who grasp with both hands this wildly extravagant life-gift, this grand setting-everything-right, that the one man Jesus Christ provides? (Romans 5 – The Message)
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) (Ephesians 2 – NLT)
The Big Idea: Do you realize how different your life would be if you truly believed God’s word about His grace?
I grew up in Delta Community Baptist in Everett, Washington. Some of the best memories were made around the table at the seasonal potlucks. We had our share of women who loved to cook, and my family fit in well because we were poor and always hungry. It was the once-a-month potlucks that provided an occasion for me to really feast. Still today, one of my favorite meals is “potluck.”
Many of the events lived up to the meaning of their name – the cooks filled the pot and you took a chance. As the years rolled on, I learned which casserole dishes went with which cook. Mary V. was Hungarian; no disrespect to Hungary, but I could never seem to enjoy her fruit salad with ham in it.
When I was a small child my mom filled my plate. She was concerned about my diet and wanted to make sure I got healthy things like fruits and vegetables. But fortunately, as I got older and began to eat more, I was given the freedom to choose what I wanted. I grew concerned about getting more than my fair share of southern-style barbecue beans, crispy battered fried chicken and Louis Hinds’ Dutch apple crisp!
Our church potlucks were a festival of fried foods, a cornucopia of CorningWare and an onslaught of people in line who never sat in the pew. No blue ribbons were given for best pies or fried chicken, but there was always an unofficial bake-off for the women. For the men, one word describes the experience – pig-out!
While in college and seminary, I counted on these potluck meals as a budget strategy. Occasionally, some cute Southern Bell would show up with her red beans, and it was now about romance and red beans and rice.
Now here is how it worked for me for years: While others were baking ancient family recipes, I was rummaging through the cupboard wondering, “What do I bring this time?” My contribution to a potluck was historically and hysterically embarrassing – a partially eaten box of cookies, unopened Lays Chips, a can of tomato soup. I’d stick it in a big brown sack and formulate a plan to sneak it into the kitchen.
Then one of the Rachael Ray or Julia Child types would see me coming and welcome me, grab my humble contribution and place it on a long table with the rest of the food. Before I could turn red with embarrassment, they would shove a plate into my hand and say, “Don’t be shy, Kenny!”
Fried chicken. Roast Beef. Mashed potatoes. Then Pie. Cake. And cookies. I took a little of everything except what I brought.
From the wrong side of the tracks but on the right side of God’s grace, I strolled through a king’s feast. I came with almost nothing but ate like king.
Do you see the image? Christ does for each of us what Delta Baptist potluck queens did for me. God welcomes us to his family banquet by the virtue of his love, grace and mercy. It is not our meager chips, soup or partially eaten box of cookies that gain us access; in fact, anything we bring appears small at His table. The only prerequisite is that we admit we’re hungry. Our hunger for righteousness is not a need to be avoided, but a God-given desire to be celebrated.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Matt. 5:6 – NKJV)
Do not dismiss your hunger, weakness or sin. Confess it. Why? Because God has already made a way for you.
6-8 Christ arrives right on time to make this happen. He didn’t, and doesn’t, wait for us to get ready. He presented himself for this sacrificial death when we were far too weak and rebellious to do anything to get ourselves ready. And even if we hadn’t been so weak, we wouldn’t have known what to do anyway. We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him. (Romans 5 – The Message)
Paul’s picture of our hopeless state is not encouraging: far too weak, rebellious, unable to do anything, wouldn’t have known what to do anyway, no use whatever to him.
Do not despair. God has provided a solution for our lostness, sinfulness, desperate state.
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 – NIV)
The women in the Baptist church did not say to me, “Hey, Kenny, when you learn to cook, come back and join us.”
God doesn’t say to you and me, “When you get your act together, I will die for your sinful and wayward life.”
Next time you stand in line at a potluck drooling over your good fortune of a king’s banquet, remember, good things come not from our own human efforts, but rather by God’s grace through a few queens of the kitchen looking for someone to lavish grace and fried chicken on.
We are smothered by more grace than we ever realize:
We are grateful for an invitation to merge into traffic. We are congratulated, when achievement is celebrated. Gracious when hosting dinner guests. We leave a gratuity for excellent service.
Names like Clinton, Swaggart, Nixon and OJ have fallen from grace. The period of time beyond a due date during which a financial obligation may be met without penalty or cancellation is referred to as a “grace period.” 1 My favorite grace word is actually Latin – “persona non grata” – which literally means an “unwelcome person.”
In May 2009, the United Kingdom banned American conservative radio host and author Michael Savage from entering the country for allegedly "seeking to provoke others to serious criminal acts and fostering hatred…." 2
On April 8, 2012, Israel declared German poet Günter Grass, recipient of the 1999 Nobel Prize in Literature, persona non grata 3 because of his poem “What Must Be Said,” which warned that Israel threatens an "already fragile world peace.”4
Presidents at the end of their term will often pardon criminals through an “act of grace.” For centuries in England, its citizens have been referring to the aristocracy as, “Your grace.”
The world of music is filled with “grace notes.” The publishing world offers a policy of gracing. Gymnasts are said to possess a lot of grace in their movements. Who has not prayed over a meal? We call this “saying grace.”
Grace is everywhere. Let God give you grace-eyes, and you’ll be amazed at what you see around you and within yourself.
How would my life really change if I believed God’s word about what he thinks of me? You do not believe God’s word the way he believes his word. What if you did?
Grace has made so many appearances on the human landscape that one has trouble trying to define it. A European theological revolution was started because Martin Luther wanted a new definition of grace for the church.
Grace has been referred to as God’s unmerited favor. Bill Gothard says, “Grace is the desire and the power that God gives us to do His will.” That’s a powerful statement, but it’s Philip Yancey’s definition that I will be leaning on: “There is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I can do to make God love me less.” 5
From the world of theatre, let me give you a definition of grace from another angle.
Amadeus means “beloved of God.” This 18th century play is about a composer trying to learn about how God blesses. Now, the devout and righteous Antonio Salieri has the drive and passion to create music that is genius and immortal, but he does not have the skills. What angers him most is knowing that God bestowed the amazing gift of musical genius on another composer – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Why would God give an immoral person such an incredible gift? As Philip Yancey observes, this is the reverse dilemma to the book of Job.
“The author of Job ponders why God would ‘punish’ the most righteous man on the face of the earth; the author of Amadeus ponders why God would ‘reward’ an undeserving brat.” 6
The problem of unrighteous living meets its match in the face of grace. With grace, you can be sure the numbers do not add up. All I can say is that if you try to understand God’s grace by the numbers, you will get it wrong every time. In addition, you will not even get credit for showing your work.
Grace by the Numbers
God’s grace remembers even one lost sheep! – 99-1
4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” (Luke 15 – NIV)
In the book of Matthew, Jesus’ story provides a clear picture that the lost really matter to God. That is why the people flocked to Jesus. Out of the gutters and garbage heaps they came – lepers and the lonely, tax-collectors and prostitutes, women and children, the outcast and the downcast. They all came to cast their lot in with this carpenter turned preacher and miracle worker. God’s Son. Heaven’s gift and their only hope for eternal life.
On this occasion, the shepherd counts his flock before he beds them for the night. They pass his watchful gaze as they enter the sheepfold. Then, the shepherd suddenly and surprisingly gets worked up. Where is little brown tail? He still walks with a limp from his latest fall. Probably a communal flock belonging to an entire village, the shepherd is responsible. His responsibility extends to risking his life for the safety of the flock.
Jesus says the shepherd left the ninety-nine and plunged into the blackness of the night in search for little brown tail. Does such a decision make economic sense? If it is about being compassionate and noble, go searching. The Nobel Peace Prize is certainly yours. However, what about the ninety-nine left back home? Suppose on returning the shepherd discovers that twenty-three others are now missing.
Only grace by the numbers explains what Jesus is thinking. Jesus’ story makes no economic cents and no intellectual sense, and that was his intent. Jesus is talking to us today about grace.
God’s grace reveals the true value of our giving – 2 copper coins
42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. 43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on.” (Mark 12 – NIV)
Since Mark’s audience is Roman, we are talking about Roman coins instead of shekels – copper to be exact. Coins were valued by weight, so to indicate small hints to the coins’ value.
Why would Jesus seem to celebrate such smallness? Every miracle worker knows it takes money and lots of it to do God’s work: to stay on TV, to provide outreaches, to construct buildings and build legacies. Money is needed to fund a first-rate public ministry intended to reach the masses.
Why would Jesus be so abrasive? Does he really need to be so honest? Does he not realize he can tick off his big givers?
“Truly I tell you,” he remarked, “this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
She gave what she could barely survive without; the wealthy gave what they would barely miss. It wasn’t about the amount, but about the value of what was given.
Only grace by the numbers explains what Jesus is thinking. Jesus’ story makes no economic cents and no intellectual sense, and that was his intent. Jesus is talking to us today about grace.
God’s grace reminds us that there is no limit to forgiveness – 70 x 7
21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matt. 18 – NASB)
Perhaps these names will jog your memory of those who achieved great things for God, but only because of God’s grace.
Abraham, the founder of Israel and ‘friend of God,’ started out as an idol worshiper.
Joseph was cast out by a bunch of no good brothers and had a prison record long before he became the prime minister of Egypt.
Moses was a murderer and then a deliverer.
Rahab: What do 12 spies and the Promised Land have in common with a prostitute?
Still not satisfied with how grace has been granted vertically and released horizontally?
Eli and Samuel were both fathers that failed, yet they were devout servants of the Lord.
Jonah and John Mark were missionaries who were called by God, yet they ran away from their calling because of hardship.
Peter denied, Paul viciously accused, Onesimus stole and all the disciples blew it at one time or another.
Need I say more about grace?
We’ve all experienced the sweet taste of Christ’s grace, and today, I want you to learn how to allow others to experience the sweet taste of your grace.
Peter discovered that his heart of forgiveness and grace was rather small compared to that of God. It came about as a result of Peter’s inquiring as to what big-hearted grace really looks like.
21 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matt. 18 – NASB)
That day, Peter was sure that his righteousness was well above the status quo. Rabbis instructed those who forgave to be willing to do it at least three times. On the fourth offense, you were not obligated to forgive. Peter took that number and forged out his own equation, and here is a story problem that Peter might have submitted:
For three days straight, Rudy, the olive vender, short changed me by two shekels. I had it up to my handmade kippa, so I approached the visiting rabbi – you know, that new guy in town named Jesus – and I posed a question to him. “How many times should I forgive Rudy?” Being pious and generous, I suggested that I should forgive him seven times – my equation was doubling the three and then adding one on top for good Jewish measure. To my surprise, the visiting rabbi suggested not seven but 70 x 7! Ouch!
Only grace by the numbers explains what Jesus is thinking. Jesus’ story makes no economic cents and no intellectual sense, and that was his intent. Jesus is talking to us today about grace.
God’s grace resurrects involvement when no one is interested – empty to full.
23 “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them come in, so that my house will be full.’” (Luke 14 – NIV)
Our last story, also from the book of Luke, tells us that God loves to celebrate. I have heard very few sermons over the years on this one and for good reason; preachers do not know what to do with Jesus’ approach.
God does not wait around and beg you to receive His grace. If you are not interested, he goes on to others. If you are not interested, he will find someone who is. The streets, bars, prisons, factories, treatment centers and homeless shelters are filled with people waiting for an invitation of grace.
God is the master throwing the party. Jesus is the “slave” who gives out the reminder that everyone has RSVPed and it’s time for the main event! The banquet host is now ready for your presence. Those on the guest list have known for some time about this day. When Jesus announces that grace has arrived, the guests are preoccupied with other concerns of life – business, new purchases, family matters, etc.
Therefore, God’s generosity once again goes forth. The flood of humanity pours in, eagerly accepting the invitation of grace. Arriving at the banquet are the castaways, the outcasts, the downcasts and castes from India. The telecast is made and the forecast is for grace, grace and more grace.
Then Jesus reports to his Father that there is still room at the banquet. The instructions are clear: roll out the banner of heaven that says “Grace is available to all.” The hero of heaven, God is welcoming all regardless of mistakes, misdeeds and miscues.
I cannot make God’s definition of grace any smaller or narrower because his love is magnanimous, generous and all-inclusive. Nobody knows better than the Apostle Peter. He reminds us that God is the “God of all grace.” (1 Peter 5:10)
“Accompanied by her fiancée, a woman went to the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston and ordered the meal. The two of them poured over the menu and made selections of china and silver, and pointed to pictures of the flowers arrangements they liked. They both had expensive taste, and the bill came to thirteen thousand dollars. After leaving a check for half that amount as a down payment, the couple went home to flip through books of wedding announcements.
“The day the announcements were supposed to hit the mailbox, the potential groom got cold feet. ‘I’m just not sure,’ he said. ‘It’s a big commitment. Let’s think about this a little bit longer.’
“When his angry fiancée returned to the Hyatt to cancel the banquet, the Events Manager could not have been more understanding. ‘The same thing happened to me, Honey.’ she said, and told the story of her own broken engagement. But about the refund, she had bad news, ‘The contract is binding. You’re only entitled to thirteen hundred dollars back. You have two options: to forfeit the rest of the down payment, or go ahead with the banquet. I’m sorry. Really, I am.’
“It seemed crazy, but the more the jilted bride thought about it, the more she liked the idea of going ahead with the party – not a wedding banquet, mind you, but a big blowout. Ten years before, this same woman had been living in a homeless shelter. She had got back on feet, found a good job, and set aside a sizeable nest egg. Now she had the wild notion of using her savings to treat the down-and-outs of Boston to a night on the town.
“And so it was that in June of 1990 the Hyatt Hotel in downtown Boston hosted a party such as it had never seen before. The hostess changed the menu to boneless chicken – in ‘honor of the groom,’ she said – and sent invitations to rescue missions and homeless shelters. That warm summer night, people who were used to peeling half-gnawed pizza off the cardboard dined instead on chicken cordon bleu. Hyatt waiters in tuxedos served hors d’oeuvres to senior citizens propped up by crutches and aluminum walkers. Bag ladies, vagrants, and addicts took one night off from the hard life on the sidewalks outside and instead sipped champagne, ate chocolate cake, and danced to big-band melodies late into the night.” 7
Only grace by the numbers explains what Jesus is thinking. Jesus’ story makes no economic cents and no intellectual sense, and that was his intent. Jesus is talking to us today about grace.
End Notes
1 Merriam-Webster. Web.
2 “Home Office name hate promoters excluded from the UK.” Internet Archive: Wayback Machine. Web. 5 May 2009.
3 “Interior Minister declares Gunter Grass persona non grata in Israel.” Haaretz. Web. 8 Apr 2012.
4 “Günter Grass: ‘What Must Be Said.’” The Guardian. Web. 5 Apr 2012.
5 Yancey, Philip. What’s So Amazing About Grace? Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1997. Print.
6 Ibid, pg. 60-61.
7 Ibid, pg. 48-49.
