Romans 5:20-21 (ESV)
20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but
where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in
death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The law shows us all of our shortcomings. We cannot hide
from it, for it reveals who we truly are. Quite discouraging, don't you think?
However, amidst this abundance of selfishness, God's
grace came through, through His Son Jesus, the Christ. He willingly died for us
on a cross, paying our penalty, so that we could live for eternity with our
Heavenly Dad. Imagine meeting Jesus in person, once we reach heaven. This
thought fills me truly with adrenaline!
God's grace overshadows our sins, so that we can be
considered righteous, even though we aren't really. That's love my friends,
divine love.
His manifestation can be seen even amidst the worst
scenarios on our planet earth. Imagine brothers turning against brothers for
some political ideology. The American Civil War was just that. One day they are
friends, the next day they were trying to kill one another.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, at the base of Oak Hill,
it was suspected that some Confederate sharp shooters had lodged themselves in
the McClean barn. They had to be flushed out! Elements of the 45th regiment of
the New York Infantry surrounded that storehouse.
Amongst these soldiers was a corporal named Rudolph
Swartz, an immigrant from Germany. As Rudolph entered the barn, he recognized
one of the Confederate prisoners being taken to the rear. It was his own
brother, dressed in a Confederate uniform. Immediately these two men embraced.
This would be their last embrace, as later on that same day, Rudolf Swartz, the
Union corporal, was killed in action.
Grace showed up that day. These brothers had the
opportunity to say farewell to one another. An unimaginable task amidst the
thick of a battle, but it still happened. God had known how important it would
be for these two brothers to meet up this last time.
All of us, if we take the time, have stories about times
when grace showed up in unimaginable places. Sadly we often forget about these,
not realizing that God had come through for us. And He sure did come through
when our sins were forgiven on Golgotha. Accepting His grace opened the doors
wide to experience Him fully.
Take a minute today to recognize how God showed up in your
life today.
Dear Lord, thank You for the grace you have showed upon
each one of us. Help us to take the time to thank You for it. In The Name of
Jesus we pray, Amen.
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