But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Tit. 3:4-7 (NIV)
Dear heavenly Father, I need to spend time in the Bible every, day for several reasons; not the least of which is to submit to its unrelenting bombardment against my unbelief. This very Scripture is a great example. What an all out assault these verses wage against our small thoughts of you and your glorious gospel.
You are so much kinder than I can imagine, and so much more loving. Like Abraham, I wasn’t seeking you when you found me. Your kindness and love appeared to me out of nowhere. I wasn’t tired of “sowing wild oats.” I wasn’t’ ready to turn my life around. I wasn’t beginning to get my spiritual act together, when you redeemed me. No, it was entirely an act of mercy on your part.
As surely as I had no part in my first birth, so I contributed “squat” to my new birth. I didn’t show any promise; you just kept your promises to redeem a family as numerous as stars, sand, and dust. Hallelujah, for the mathematics of mercy!
And how generous you were, and remain, Father. You didn’t just “dribble” a little Holy Spirit on me; you poured him out on me liberally, through Jesus—copious amounts of heart-washing, whole-being renewing goodness. Now, by your grace, I have been justified freely and fully. The saints in heaven may be more joyful than me, but they aren’t more justified. Oh, praise the glory of your name and gospel!
Heir-ship and hope now define the rest of my life in this world. Because this is true, Father, free me today to enjoy loving, serving, and encouraging others. I’ve got nothing left to prove or earn. What a gospel. What a God. What a calling. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ wonderful and merciful name.