Grace, Mercy and Peace

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2 Timothy 1:2b)

Becky and I read this verse this morning as a part of our Bible reading. The words are familiar, comfortable. Reflecting further, perhaps they are too familiar - part of an opening greeting of a letter from Paul, brushed past in our hurry to get to the real message of what is being said.

But wait! This is the real message. This is God's word, spoken to our hearts and lives. This is God himself addressing the deepest longings of our souls.

Where can humanity hope to find peace? Where can we hope to glimpse grace and mercy? These will be found only as we look to our God who calls us his children and who invites us to call him "Father". They are found when we recognize the anointed One, the Messiah, Jesus.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

His name means forgiveness, grace, mercy, and peace. He is the Prince of Peace. And he is Lord.

And what of those three words? How rich, how full of God's heart toward you!

Grace

Mercy

Peace

These words are pulled from dusty storage where they have been packed away with the lights and tinsel, tree stands and ornaments.  "Peace on earth. Good will toward men."

In the next weeks and days, let take these three gifts from the hand and heart of God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Let's unwrap these gifts. Le't stop in our rush to pack away the ornaments and thoughts of the Christmas season. Let's discover afresh the grace, mercy, and peace that our Father intends to fill our lives.