Study 78
Grace sets you free
You don’t need to live as others who have no hope; to amass wealth and put your trust in uncertain riches; to embrace short-term values and goals; to play safe and avoid danger. Grace releases you to live dangerously in the present – because you know that the one who holds world history in his hands is with you. One day he will receive his church into glory with great rejoicing, a faultless, spotless bride. The banquet is prepared. The bridegroom is coming soon. You have nothing to commend you and everything to disqualify you – but you’re invited to enter and participate in the consummation of the ages.
Outrageous Adventure
Grace releases you from the fear of condemnation, assuring you that God has fully accepted you, has always loved you and always will. You’re safe and free. The church isn’t meant to be introverted and preoccupied with rulebook religion. It’s called to arise and shine, and to spread the message of lavish grace to a blind and suffering world. Grace doesn’t lead to passivity, but to outrageous adventure, a lifestyle that baffles those who play safe. It threatens the status quo not only of tentative religion but also of cynical unbelief. It sets the church free to risk all for the praise of him who freely gave everything for us.
One of my favourite missionary stories is the short biography of the young American martyrs, John and Betty Stam, who were dispatched to glory by the sword of a Chinese Communist soldier in December 1934, while their tiny baby girl was miraculously preserved. Before he died, John Stam sent his parents a letter telling them that he and his wife knew that they were in great danger, but added that they weren’t afraid. He enclosed a poem written by another missionary, expressing their feelings. This poem was delivered on the day that his parents learned of their son and daughter-in-law’s deaths.
Afraid? Of what?To feel the spirit’s glad release? To pass from pain to perfect peace?
The strife and strain of life to cease? Afraid? – of that?
Afraid? Of what?A flash – a crash – a pierced heart; Darkness – light – O heaven’s art!
A wound of his a counterpart! Afraid? – of that?
Afraid? Of what?To do by death what life could not – Baptise with blood a stony plot,
Until souls shall blossom from the spot? Afraid? – of that?
Afraid? Of what?Afraid to see the Saviour’s face; To hear his welcome and to trace
The glory gleam from wounds of grace? Afraid? – of that?
(Unpublished)
Assured of our acceptance with God through His wonderful grace, we go unafraid to the waiting nations. 'And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come' (Matt. 24:14). The worldwide work of grace will be accomplished. People from every nation, tribe and tongue will stand before the throne of God, and eternal ages will unfold in the presence of our ever-gracious King.
“To him who is able to keep you from falling, and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy – to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore! Amen’ (Jude 24,25).
To Meditate On
God calls you to be his witness.
‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you’ (Matt. 28:19,20).
‘I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last’ (John 15:16).
‘As you (Father) sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world’ (John 17:18).
‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8)
Food For Thought
The Bible exhorts us not to be afraid:
Of people (Matt. 10:28).
When we hear of wars or rumours of wars (Matt. 24:6).
When we don’t know what to say to our accusers (Mark 13:11).
When we’re concerned about God’s provision (Luke 12:29-33).
When we’re tempted to panic (John 14:27).
When we’re prone to adopt others’ fear (1 Pet. 3:14).
When we’re facing suffering and death (Rev. 2:10).
To Do
Read Hebrews 13:3.
Visit the Voice of the Martyrs website:
www.persecution.comRead some of the recent stories of believers who have been persecuted for their faith.
To Pray
Pray for some of the individuals mentioned on the above website.
That God will give them grace in their suffering.
That they will be given words that confound their adversaries.
That Jesus will be glorified by their testimonies.
To Be Inspired
‘Oh, that the world might taste and see
The riches of His grace;
The arms of love that compass me
Would all mankind embrace.’
Jesus the name high over all by Charles Wesley
