ALL OF GRACE

2 Timothy 1:8-9
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.

If you could have been born in another place and time, where would you like to have been and at what point in history? I asked myself this recently and was surprised by my answer. (Yes, I talk to myself often, but the doctors say I'm making steady progress!) Thinking it through, I realized my first choice was to go back to the time of the apostle Paul, his conversion and later journeys. But something didn't add up. If you're going back nearly 2,000 years, I wondered to myself, why not go back just another 5 years to see Jesus' last year on earth?

Hmm, good question.

Just imagine being there when Paul is converted and the rumors that spread through the churches: "Paul-the-persecutor-has-become-a-preacher-can-you-believe-it!" Jesus has risen and the power of the Holy Spirit is being unleashed. Wow, I could handle being there to see it all!

But go back a few years and I get a little nervous. As Jesus' last moments on earth tick past, what role would I play? As Jesus heals a man's shriveled hand on the Sabbath, would I stand in thankful amazement, or would I react as a Pharisee whose religious rules and ways are threatened? As Jesus, in searing pain, carries a wooden cross down a dust-clogged path, would I be a weeping disciple or a scoffing onlooker? As Jesus' cross is raised alongside two thieves, would I crumble in grief or cast lots for His clothing? After Jesus ascends into heaven, would I be one of the 120 gathered in that upper room, or one of the thousands who originally followed but later found discipleship too tough?

Or perhaps, would I have been like Paul--antagonistic at first, yet saved by a dramatic encounter? The reality? By God's grace, He chose me to be His child (Ephesians 1:4). And even if I could time-travel, nothing would change His relationship with me. With Paul I say, my salvation is not about what I've done--it's just an understandable response to gracious love. --Sheridan Voysey

destination
points

* In one word, how would I describe God's feelings about me?
* What word can I use to describe my feelings for Him?

LINKS:Accepted By God
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0607

What Does God Think Of Me Now?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0604

bottom line: Salvation is all gift.

soul journey