What is growing fastest in our world? Human population has doubled twice in the past hundred years. Energy consumption has multiplied four times faster than the population. Is anything growing faster? Grace is growing exponentially in our world. God’s unmerited favor continues to reach those who receive his offer of salvation. Do we recognize grace when we see it?
After the prayer meeting in Jerusalem, God’s grace continued to fill the believers lives through the work of the Holy Spirit. What was the evidence of grace in the church? First, the apostles proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus powerfully. Paul would later explain the gospel he preached in this way: “What I received from the Lord I passed on to you, that Christ Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures, was buried and rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures.” The good news of grace tells us we have a Savior who not only died for us, but knew his way out of the grave. Because Jesus lives, his followers will also live with him when we die. Apart from resurrection, there is no good news at all.
Wait. There is more grace. Not only did the Apostles offer eternal life through Jesus, but secondly, God’s grace led to deep generosity improving the lives of others in the present. In Deuteronomy 15:4, God had told Israel that there would be no needy people among them. In the story of Ruth, we see God fulfilling that promise to Naomi and Ruth through Boaz. Honestly, the ancient Israelites practiced this sporadically. At times, they did have needy people among them. Finally, in the church, God’s promise to Israel was beginning to be fulfilled. The early followers of Jesus cared more about each other than they cared about their possessions. Wherever we see this kind of generosity, we see grace at work.
How is grace growing in us? Look around you today. Where do you see the hand of God working, multiplying grace? Tell others about the life you have found in Jesus. Whoever they are, they need Jesus, today. Speak with all authority in heaven and earth to make disciples as you go. Having received grace, let us give generously to others, as well. We cannot outgive the God of grace!
