Page 68 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Tuesday February 20 - Called to grace and peace
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:2
Today, “Hi!” has become a customary greeting. New Testament Christians, however, welcomed one another with two words; one Greek and distinctly Christian, the other Hebrew and distinctly Jewish: grace (charis) and peace (shalom). Both words are rich in meaning. ‘Charis’ speaks of God’s merciful grace, goodwill and lovingkindness. ‘Shalom’ encompasses peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, and tranquillity. Both bring a profound ‘settledness’ to our souls.
Jesus, together with God our Father, is the co-giver of grace and peace. The One who is ‘full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14) and also the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:6) offers you himself. He is the One whose grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and who gives peace (John 14:27). This beautiful blessing acknowledges that the Father, along with the Son, are the sole providers of grace and peace.
The world cannot give charis and shalom, but like all other God-given gifts it offers counterfeits that flatter to deceive – a mirage that never delivers. In Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus stood on the temple steps and cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink” (John 7:37). This invitation still stands, echoing across the centuries to you and me. Take a moment to wait before him and receive the grace and peace of Jesus, free gifts that he longs to bestow upon you. Nothing could be better!
Dear Lord Jesus, I humbly confess my need for you. I wait before you, asking for your amazing grace and your abiding peace. Thank you! Amen.
Wednesday February 21 - Called to be in Christ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:21
Just like Paul’s greeting, his benediction is founded on biblical truth. In seven words Paul makes it clear to his readers that they are God’s people, and they are in Christ Jesus. This is their identity; they belong to God, mirroring verse 1 in which Paul states that he is a bondservant of Christ. I expect we would agree that the church belongs to Christ, but how do you see yourself – as belonging to God? 1 Peter 2:9 leaves little room for doubt: ‘You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession’.
This is fundamental; without realising it, we can find ourselves treating God as a servant, asking him to do things to make our lives easier. The reality is that we are called to serve him, always praying that his will be done, his kingship come, not simply on earth but also specifically in the lives of his people (Matthew 6:10); and echoing Jesus’ prayer, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
As well as being God’s people they were ‘in Christ Jesus’. Paul saw them not as in Greece, or in Philippi, but ‘in Christ’. To be ‘in Christ’ means that God no longer sees our imperfections; he sees the righteousness of his own Son (Ephesians 2:13). It’s
only ‘in Christ’ that our sins are forgiven, our relationship with God is restored, and our eternity secured (John 3:16-18). Hallelujah!
Father God, I want to wholeheartedly commit my life afresh to you today. Thank you that my place is ‘in Christ Jesus’! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY