Redeemer Church Mauritius
We are looking at a verse in the Old Testament where God speaks to Moses and reveals something about himself. It wasn’t a high point in Israel’s history when everything in their relationship with God was perfect. This encounter with God came at a low point where the people had rejected God, made an idol to worship and were as far from God as they had ever been. And yet, this is the time God chooses to reveal himself.
The word grace is sometimes translated favour. There is something in the way Bible authors use this word that expresses a blessing, a favour being shown from one person to another. And it has particularly to do with gifts - not birthday gifts or gifts of thanks. To be gracious means to show someone favour motivated by your delight in them or in order to bring them delight.
Exodus 34:6-7 NIV
1. Words that grace your lips
A skilled poet uses words to delight their audience and to bless them by using their gift.
Psalm 45:1–2 (NIV)
My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.
2. Old Testament stories that show grace
Lot’s escape from Sodom:
Genesis 19:16–19 (NIV)
When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the LORD was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!” But Lot said to them, “No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can’t flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me, and I’ll die.
Jacob and Esau:
Genesis 33:8–10 (NIV)
Esau asked, “What’s the meaning of all these flocks and herds I met?” “To find favor in your eyes, my lord,” he said. But Esau said, “I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” “No, please!” said Jacob. “If I have found favor in your eyes, accept this gift from me. For to see your face is like seeing the face of God, now that you have received me favorably.
Ruth and Boaz:
Ruth 2:10–13 (NIV)
At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?” Boaz replied, “I’ve been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” “May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.”
Esther and the king:
Esther 5:2–3 (NIV)
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.”
3. Finding grace in Jesus
Jesus is God made visible and that includes God’s grace
John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
God’s grace is made plain through Jesus work of salvation
Ephesians 2:4–9 (NIV)
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
4. The power of grace
God’s grace helps us get through challenging circumstances
2 Corinthians 12:7–9 (NIV)
Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
Remember:
It is by grace you have been saved.