Daily Worship

Grace

Liz Crumlish March 24, 2014 0 0

1 Peter 5:1-10

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Grace is not a get out of jail free card
It's not a catch-all that relieves us
of responsibility for our actions
But it is like a warm embrace
when we've come in from the cold
That hug that restores the feeling
to our chilled extremities
God, thank you
for being prepared to wait on the sidelines
until we come to our senses
and then bridging the gap
to welcome us back
into the fold
and holding our hand
until we get ourselves
back on track.

 

Liz Crumlish, Castlehill Parish Church, Ayr