grace them Lord

Never before has the meaning of grace been thrust upon my heart in such a powerful way as it was in the last few days. I spent 19 hours in a courtroom as a potential juror in a pretty intense case. Even though my number was never drawn, I had to sit and listen as somewhere around 50 people were questioned about their ability to serve as juror. 

One question was asked over and over about plea bargains and agreements. Questions about whether we would be able to fairly judge a defendant if we knew that a co-defendant who was just as guilty as the defendant in the case, were given a lesser punishment because he helped the prosecution form a better case. Did we think that was fair? Did we think it just that 2 people that committed the same crime or were partners in the crime could be given 2 different levels of sentencing. Even if one person just had knowledge of the crime but didn't actually commit the crime. I heard person after person say that it was in no way fair.That they should all pay the same price. Some were even angry at the prospect of it. I was even agreeing to myself at some point.

As I sat there listening, the Lord just so gently whispered in my ear... 'it isn't about being fair, it's called grace, Beth". And I begin to see His grace in MY life in an entirely new light. I don't deserve any of the grace that my precious Lord bestows upon me. I don't deserve even a drop of the sweet mercy that He so lovingly saturates me with day after day after day. I could never merit any of the lavish grace that is heaped on my head. No matter what I do, no matter what I say, I do NOT earn the grace in my life. It is a precious and free gift that my Savior extended toward me when I accepted Him into my heart to be my Lord, my Master and my Savior. And I am so very thankful for the grace in my life. I am overwhelmed by it and sit here today even more astounded by it than ever before.

I'm very thankful that I didn't have to make any decisions in that case. I certainly didn't want to stand as judge over another life, as I have enough  in my own life that needs some reckoning with the greatest Judge of all. But I am thankful that God used that time to really show me the meaning of grace. And how all of us who are Christians are given that same amazing gift of grace no matter what mess that grace has to cover. 

I am even more determined and purposed than ever to live a life that pleases my Lord. I want to live a life worthy of the calling He has placed on my life. 

I want to grace as I have been graced.

""Grace be with all them that love our Lord

Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen"

(Ephesians 6:24)