Grace That Is Greater - Bart Millard
As I read one of my devotions this morning from Max Lucado’s, “In the Footsteps of the Savior,” book, I was reminded again of how awesome, powerful, and merciful God’s grace is. It also reminded me of a hymn I grew up and sang many times called, “Grace That is Greater.” Below are the words to this hymn. I hope you take the time to really read these words, let them sink in and speak to you.
1st Verse
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured-
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain
Grace, grace God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
2nd Verse
Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater- yes, grace untold-
Points to the Refuge, the mighty cross.
(Refrain)
3rd Verse
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
(Refrain)
Source: hymnary.org/text/marvelous_grace_of_our_loving_lord
Wow, maybe like you, I haven’t heard or sung this hymn in such a long time. When I take a minute ponder and really let these words sink in, I’m brought to my knees. I’m reminded once again how amazing God’s free gift of “grace” really is. I’m in awe when I think about Jesus bearing the weight of our guilt and shame on that cross as they drove those nails through his hands and feet.
Jesus suffered and died on the cross just for that. Since we know Jesus is really God in the flesh and came to live amongst us, he literally experienced the same temptations, persecutions, etc., that we do except he never gave in to it whereas we do. Jesus like God understands our weaknesses, yet he did not sin.
From Max Lucado’s book this morning, these three quotes spoke to me that I want to share. “Because Jesus is human, he understands you. Because he is divine, he can help you. He is uniquely positioned to carry us home.” Jesus is the only High Priest who can help us. Jesus came to earth experienced persecution, temptation, hurt, and then took all that to the cross and laid it all on the line for you and me. If that’s not love, I don’t know what is. Our sins were literally forgiven that day. That doesn’t mean we won’t ever sin again, but we’re forgiven each time we do, but we must come to God each time and ask to be forgiven. The scripture below from Hebrews 4:14-16 states this so well.
That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.
There is nothing more profound and yet so loving as God’s free gift of amazing grace. It is not earned or deserved. It is given to each of us through His mercy and unfailing love. Since Jesus Christ is the High Priest, he is willing and able to help you in your time of need. If you’re in need, Jesus is always there for you. He is the intercessor that pleads to the Father on our behalf. Jesus is the only way to the Father.
The choice is yours. I pray that you let him do for you what he came to do. I pray that you make the choice to let him carry you home (eternal life, salvation).
God bless you today and always my friends. Thank you for letting me share my heart again with you today.
GRACE
Beautifully and succinctly written! Thank you Anne. ❤
Thank you Anne. This is written so well. I will always need Jesus.