“Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me…”
I came across this simple verse penned by Luke in the book of Acts (27:23) and truth be told I nearly glazed over it and continued reading on without giving it much thought. Then, something struck me about the structure of this simple verse; Paul states that he belongs to God without giving any preceding reasons for eligibility. Paul does not claim to belong to God because he serves him but rather states that he serves God because he already belongs to him. There are no preconceived notions in the back of Paul’s mind that he has entered into a transactional contract with the Savior. He is fully aware that his position with God is on no way dependent on anything he has done or attempts to do. Paul further reinforces this reality with perhaps one of the most well-know verses on the subject:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
I dislike saying it but the truth is I forget this mind shattering reality so very often. I forget that my own position with Christ in no way relies on me but rather in every way relies on what Christ has already done for me. This is why I need the Gospel every single day. As I mature in my walk with God I realize that I need to be reminded of His Good News time and again because rather than becoming more competent and able in my faith I become more aware of my incompetencies and disabilities. This is when I come back to the truth contained within these verses and reorient my attitude in order to live within the the amazing grace that that God so passionately lavishes on me.
Until next time…
MB
