Grace (Bible Tag 3)
Regardless of how much humans sin, God's grace is greater.
The word grace appears in the Bible for the first time in connection to Noah. "However, Noah discovered grace [chen] in the sight of the Lord" (Gen. 6:8). As a result, he was spared from the flood and became a righteous heir (Heb. 11:7).
Abraham discovered grace (chen) in the eyes of God (Gen. 18:3). This revelation of God's favor was linked to the promise of the seed through Sarah. He is known as the "Father of Grace" (Ecclus. 44:19–21). God also showed Abraham grace (chesed) by providing a spouse for his son Isaac (Gen. 24:27).
It is a gift of grace from God to be able to study, comprehend, and impart the Word of God.
Timothy, my dear son, live your life empowered by God’s free-flowing grace, which is your true strength, found in the anointing of Jesus and your union with him! 2 Timothy 2:1 (TPT)
Chesed
When Sodom was destroyed, God showed Lot grace (chesed) by allowing his plea to flee to Zoar (Gen. 19:19). The Hebrew term chesed refers to covenant love. YHWH is the God who remembers and keeps His covenants despite the treachery of people. His faithfulness in keeping His promises proves His love for Israel and all humanity.
When Jacob pleaded for survival in the meeting with Esau, he understood his reliance on God's grace (chesed) (Gen. 32:10). He also acknowledged his children as a gracious gift (chanan) from God (Gen. 33:5).
The Lord specifically demonstrated His mercy (chen) by bestowing favor (chesed) on Joseph in the eyes of the prison keeper (Gen. 39:21). Later in his life, he invoked God's grace on Benjamin (Gen. 43:29). Israel is claimed to have been brought up out of Egypt by God's grace (chesed) (Exod. 15:13). Moses was chosen as their leader because he found grace in the eyes of God (Exod. 33:12–17).
We must make every effort to stay connected to God's Word and His acts of grace regularly. We need to consider His grace as unearned rather than entitled. Satan badly wants us to have a distorted perspective of God so that we will have a distorted view of the world around us. We must "then submit to God." "If we resist the devil, he will flee from us" (James 4:7).
But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 5:20–21.
When you stitch this week, focus on God's grace. Ask God to help you recognize that his grace is always bigger in its power to forgive than our capacity to sin. Pray that you live a life full of God’s free-flowing grace.
Bible Prompt 3
Bible prompt 3 is a verse about faith. Include denim on your tag. As you stitch, thank God for the grace He has extended to you. Ask Him to help you to comprehend His grace more every day.
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Video Credit
The Bible Project videos are added to enhance the lessons and used with permission. Bible Project offers these videos free on YouTube and at BibleProject.com
