Accessing the Grace of God (2) Psalm 113

By justification we stand in grace.  But continuing grace is accessed by humility.  There is not a story in Scripture nor a hero of the faith that does not illustrate this.  Heroes of the faith are heroes because God has exalted them; and God only exalts the humble.  It is a universal principle (Matthew 23:12).  Consider a few familiar stories.

·        2 Corinthians 12:7-8: Paul was afflicted by God but humbled himself in the situation and thus found sufficient grace to live an abundant life.

·        1 Samuel 1:2:1-11: Hannah was afflicted, longing for a child.  She humbled herself before God, praying earnestly, and was exalted.

·        Luke 1:46-55: Likewise Mary understood that this was exactly what was going to happen with her, that God used a woman with no great expectations of glory or prominence (a lowly woman) and exalted her to be the mother of our Lord.  Her soul magnified the Lord.

·        Philippians 2:5-11: Christ humbled Himself, even to the experience of death on a cross; but He was highly exalted.

It would do us well to understand how pervasive this principle is in life.  Submission is called for in every situation in life if we are to properly the Sovereign God who created us.  Consider:

Ø Submission is called for when we gather in fellowship with our church family (1 Peter 5:5; Eph. 4:1-3; 5:21; Phil. 1:7).  What this means is that if we refuse to engage in a church family we are demonstrating the very scorn or pride by which God will resist.

Ø We are to be submission in society (1 Peter 2:13f,18f; 3:1f; Titus 2:5,9).  Yes, submission to governmental authorities, to less than perfect bosses and spouses is submission to God and will thus access His grace that we might thrive in those situations.

Ø Our prayer life must be characterized by humility (Heb. 4:16; 1 Peter 5:5-6).  We do not come demanding our will but His.

Ø And likewise our time in God’s word (James 1:21-25; Acts 20:34).  We come to the Word to hear from God, not to instruct Him.

Ø In the end our entire relationship with Christ is characterized by humility.  That is why we are called to abide in Christ (John 15:5).  

Here’s is what we are saying.  Our need is to maintain an abiding relationship with our Lord.  Every day!  Because as we go through our day, this submission to Him will be the means by which we receive grace for whatever that day brings.  Each day, as Jesus said, has enough trouble of its own.  But there is always sufficient grace available from God if we access it.