Finders Keepers -- May 28, 2009

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.
Romans 9:30-32

It is very hard for some of us to accept the gift that God has provided. We are saved in Christ! It so difficult for us to receive it that often those who aren’t even looking for the gift come upon it and receive before those who have been working hard to get it.

Sometimes it seems like those who don’t deserve His grace get it first. Jesus told a parable where the ones who came to work last received the same wage as those who had started later in the day. The ones who had worked all day were upset because the ones who had worked for only an hour received the same pay as them. Jesus explained to the Pharisees that their offense was uncalled for. The grace of God was true grace. His labor itself was a gift of grace. They should have been thankful for a place to participate.

The problem was they couldn’t find grace because they were trying earn it instead of accept it by faith. Many believers today have received salvation but still feel unloved by the Father. Like the Pharisees who were trying to earn righteousness they are trying to earn God’s love and acceptance. They feel as though they are never good enough, no matter how hard they try. They are right they will never deserve His love. It must be experienced through faith. Dear brothers and sisters, the Father loves you just as you are.

Receiving God’s love is the key to our healing. As long as we are relating to God as a guardian of righteousness we will always be looking over our shoulder waiting for Him to punish us. When we come to grips with the fact that He loves us then we can confide in Him and He can heal us. He is faithful and just and if we confess our sins He will remove all of our unrighteousness. Only those who find His love can keep His ways.

Done Earning It,

Pastor Jason