In Biblical numerology, five is associated with grace. And so, this month of May, it may seem appropriate to dwell on the subject of grace. But beyond this, grace is so central to the Christian faith and to the Christian, that its study and significance should not be restricted to any particular month. As Nelson’s Bible dictionary defines it, grace is “favor or kindness shown without regard to the worth or merit of the one who receives it and in spite of what that same person deserves”.
Grace is typified in the Old Testament by God’s deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity and their possession of Canaan ( in spite of their unrighteousness – Deut. 9:5-6)), whilst the sacrifice of Christ on the Cross to redeem us from sin and reunite us with God, is its hallmark in the New Testament. Grace can equally be looked at from the perspective of a gift from God which enables us to perform functions that ordinarily we would not be able to achieve on our own. The performance of such functions elevates us; physically, materially and spiritually. God orchestrated the speedy advancement of Joseph from a prisoner to a prime minister in Egypt. This was essentially through the gift of the grace for dream interpretation; and Joseph was quick to acknowledge the hand of God, when he told Pharoah that it was God who would give the desired answer (Gen. 41:15-16)
God has given us an indication of His grace and the effect of it in Ex. 19: 3-6 “Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”” We are today, the spiritual Israelites, and this grace through the sacrifice of Jesus includes kingship – Rev 5:9-10 “And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.””
The grace of God is available for us to step up and do great things for God and humanity. We must recognise, deploy and not squander this grace. Our four-part series for the month of May, “Exceeding Grace”, provides an engagement to leverage the grace of God to achieve greater feats. Join us this and every Sunday as we explore the theme.
God bless you.
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