Bonus Day 51
Billy Graham Gets Busted
So that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7
Several years ago, Progress magazine reported that the famous preacher Billy Graham had been arrested. One of their reporters got the scoop: When he was driving through a small southern town Graham had been stopped by a policeman and charged with speeding. Graham admitted his guilt but was told by the officer that he’d have to appear in court.
On that day the judge asked him, “Guilty, or not guilty?” Graham pleaded guilty, and the judge replied, “That’ll be ten dollars — a dollar for every mile you went over the limit.” (This was a while back!) Then the judge revealed that he had recognized the famous minister. “You violated the law,” he said. “The fine must be paid — but I’m going to pay it for you.” So he takes a ten dollar bill from his own wallet, attaches it to the ticket, and takes Graham out and buys him a steak dinner!
You might think “nice to be a celebrity!” but what a great example of the grace you got from God! You were guilty. Guilty as sin, in fact. But God pays the fine, and then even lavishes more gifts on you. You could say he takes you out for a great dinner — and then buys you the restaurant — and then gives you a wing of his mansion — and then adopts you and makes you his heir!
That’s what today’s reading means when Paul says that God “poured out generously” this mercy! I think we under-appreciate grace. Grace is…
Unearned
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Ephesians 2:8–9 [NLT]
Unconditional
And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Romans 11:6
Unlimited
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8
[NASB]
And the most amazing thing of all? God desires to be gracious to you!!
“The Lord longs to be gracious to you…”
Isaiah 30:18a
Grace is very cool! I hope you’re blown away by it during our study in the days ahead.
Why do you think the doctrine of grace is under-appreciated?
Is it surprising to you to think that God longs to be gracious to you? Is this how you think of God when he forgives you?
Read through all the verses again, making them into prayers of thanksgiving to God that these things are true in your life!
Why do you think the doctrine of grace is under-appreciated?
Is it surprising to you to think that God longs to be gracious to you? Is this how you think of God when he forgives you?
Read through all the verses again, making them into prayers of thanksgiving to God that these things are true in your life!
