Romans 4:1-8
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them. Romans 4:1-8 (NIV)
I grew up learning a lot about grace through Sunday School, confirmation and church services at Shell Creek Lutheran Church. But it was on October 20, 1978 that I really “got it.” At 10:10 am a nurse handed our firstborn son to Scott. As he looked at Shane, with tears in his eyes, he said, “I now know what grace feels like.” It’s a moment in time I will never forget.
Fast forward 14 years, Scott was a confirmation leader for eight boys. When one of the lessons focused on Romans 4:1-8 he struggled to find a way to convey the meaning of Paul’s letter to the Romans and why he referred to Abraham and David. He met with Pastor Hanselman to get some ideas on how to present the concept of grace to these young, typical teenagers, especially in light of his work with the Better Business Bureau and their “If it’s too good to be true . . .” mantra. Pastor told him to describe the feeling he had 14 years prior. Pastor also shared information about struggles some of the boys were having and told him to focus on the fact that grace is not earned. It is truly a gift to be honored, no strings attached. It is not about God overlooking wrong, but is God absorbing its cost Himself. During the following class Scott had the young men write and share a short story about when/how they experienced grace. Each was powerful, an indication they “got it.”
In 2006 I received further affirmation of the impact of that class assignment when 7 young adults came to Scott’s visitation and memorial service to support their confirmation buddy, Shane. Each one shared stories about confirmation class and that assignment. I asked if they remembered what they wrote. They all did, and conveyed the impact accepting God’s unending grace had on their sometimes tumultuous lives, more Grace of God stories. Grace, the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks be to God!
Questions for Reflection:
- When did you “get it,” and experience the grace of God?
- How do you extend grace to someone else?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, Thank you for the grace you surround us with. It is the strength that sustains us in our weakness and the comfort that lifts us up in our pain and sorrow. How blessed are we! Amen.
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