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“These two women serve as an illustration of God’s two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. And now Jerusalem is just like Mount Sinai in Arabia, because she and her children live in slavery to the law.” Galatians 4:24-25
Have you ever tried to order something online and had your payment rejected? Maybe the account you were trying to draw from didn’t have enough money, or the card you tried to use was expired or you missed a number, etc.
There can be all sorts of reasons your payment was rejected. But one thing is sure, you simply missed the standard of the payment process.
When God gave the law to the Hebrews in the Old Testament he set the standard of relationship with him. This standard allowed us to enjoy relationship with him. The payment process however was difficult for us to process. We needed help.
Then Jesus came. God didn’t change the requirements of the law, he simply changed the method of payment.
That’s grace. Grace allows us relationship with God through an empty tomb and a stamp that says “Paid in Full — Jesus”
Grace Nugget: Grace fulfills the payment plan God has for our present relationship and eternity with him.
““If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost?” Matthew 18:12
Our dog rarely leaves the boundaries of our yard. He has no fence, no collar, nothing to keep him from straying far. Occasionally he’ll wander into the open field by our house but not far and always comes with a simple calling.
My daughter’s dog? Well, that’s a different story. He’s one of those giant dogs that seems to believe he is a lap dog. He’s a lover. However, when we let him outside to answer the call of nature we have him on a leash and walk side with him. He’s not only a great dog, he’s a wanderer. Without a fence or a leash he has no boundaries. What’s worse, if he does wander away and you call him, his response is, “let’s play catch me if you can!” Much as I love that dog, he needs constant scrutiny or he’ll wander off.
I tend to be more like my daughter’s dog. Much as I try to follow God, I find myself wandering. That’s why I’m so thankful for Jesus, my good shepherd.
As a good shepherd, Jesus states that he will watch over us, protect us, provide for us and, if we wander, seek us out to bring us home.
His guidance and protection are based on his love for me, not my wandering. He knows I’m the lamb that will stray so I’m guessing he may keep a little closer eye on me.
How about you? Do you find yourself wandering off and no matter how much you try, you struggle to follow the good shepherd? He’s not surprised you know. He knows your tendency to wander. He will always seek you out and celebrate your return.
Mike Fisk & Built with Grace 