The lyrics to a popular hymn read “O to grace how great a debtor, daily I’m constrained to be”. These words become true for us as we meditate on the grace of God. By grace, we are saved, not by our own efforts. It is the gift of God, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2: 8).
In Numbers 14-15, the Israelites rebel against God by refusing to enter the Promised Land. As a consequence, God punishes them with wandering; however, He extends mercy by allowing their children to inherit the land. Despite their disobedience, He gives them laws and guidance for future offerings.
In Acts 9:1-25, Saul (later referred to as Paul) is actively persecuting Christians. Yet, God shows him mercy by calling him on the road to Damascus. After this, God begins a transformative work in his life, turning a persecutor into a powerful apostle.
God is constantly beckoning on rebellious hearts to be reconciled with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus. Your natural response to His love should be a willing surrender to His sovereignty.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving me, even when I was still a stranger to You. Please open my eyes to understand your love and grace.
Today’s reading
Numbers 14-15
That night all the members of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, “If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this wilderness! 3 Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?”…
Acts 9:1-25
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.