“Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the Macedonians…” (2Cor.8:1ff.)
Heavenly Father, the history wrapped around this verse underscores why we can never over-emphasize your grace. Grace never needs to be balanced with something; for your grace isn’t a “something,” but a Someone—your beloved Son. Jesus is grace incarnate.
Indeed, what an amazing story Paul gives us in 2 Corinthians 8. The hard-life, “dirt-poor” Macedonians became a model of joyful living and giving. Guilt, fear and legalism can’t generate that kind of freedom. Generosity finds its roots and wings in the Gospel—in Jesus himself. Grace upon grace upon grace—that’s what we need, and what you so freely give.
Oh that this could be said about each of us and our churches… “We want you to know about the grace Abba gave Scotty, Kip, Bowman, John, Scott… Cornerstone Free Church in Edinburgh, City Church in Manchester, Fahan Presbyterian Church, Ireland—not random names but good friends and churches I’ve preached in the past 3 Sundays. Yesterday, what an honor it was to stand on the shore in Buncrana, Ireland, worshipping and praying with the Fahan elders at the very spot John Newton came ashore post-storm and a new man by your Amazing Grace. No longer a slave trader, forever a loving bond-servant of Jesus.
Do it again, Father—over and over. Come visit us in saving and transforming power, by the Holy Spirit. May Jesus once again be our greatest treasure, utter delight, and all-life-claiming King. Fill our hearts with your grace and our hands your mercy. Rescue, free, and transform us like your son, John Newton. We’d love there to be credible rumors of a fresh grace-revival in our lives and churches. So Very Amen.