10.12.06 thequest UPdate

thequest family,

Today I saw a variety of bumper stickers. I don't know why they seemed to be everywhere. I only drove less than a mile, but I was blasted by them. Some referring to politicians, some to political agendas, some to make me laugh and more. The most stunning one was this one:



It made me stop and think. Then I even put the car in reverse, parked, got out and took a picture with my phone.


Grace Happens.

The first thoughts crashing through my mind were thankfulness that Grace is free. It is given by our Savior without our earning it or deserving it. It has the appearance that it just "happens."


The second train of thought I had was, "Free for me, but not for Jesus." It cost Him everything.

His place in glory was set aside for thirty-some years as He became a human. He grew and learned and lived on this planet...even though He had participated in creating it. He was tempted and He was victorious. He had great friends and bad press. He walked and talked about the Kingdom He was used to--the Kingdom of Heaven. As the expected Messiah, He rode into the city of Jerusalem as a hero. He was killed by the same masses days later. A horrific, bloody and violent death. And worse than all of that physical pain was the anguish of His soul as His Father looked away because of the sin which Jesus carried upon Himself on that cross.

Grace didn't just happen. It was purchased by Jesus and granted by the Father. The definition I like to use for grace comes from Dr. Jerry Bridges-- Grace is God's favor through Christ to people who deserve His disfavor. Fortunately Grace has Happened! .

"God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 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!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God". (Ephesians 2:4-8 NLT)

I have no idea what the person who placed this blue & white sticker on his bumper had in mind, but I know it provoked a slew of thoughts and a deep encouragement from the Scripture. I trust that this has encouraged you today!

Press On,

Mike


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