During Jesus' time, the Jews believe that they have to work for their salvation to prove to God that they are worthy. They have to offer animal sacrifices for their sins, fast (abstain from eating for a period of time), pray certain prayers, give offerings, such as money, to the temple, and do good to others. They are strict in following the ten commandments. They believe that God will accept them if they do all these good things. However, Jesus exposes their sins in their hearts because God looks at their hearts. The Jews are good at covering up their sins with their good works. Jesus tells them that these people honor God with their lips, but their hearts are from Him (Matthew 15:8). So Jesus comes into the world to save us from our sin and change our hearts. He knows that we cannot save ourselves from sin and cannot change our own hearts. The apostle Paul describes this as the grace of God.
There's a man who has been locked up in prison for all the crimes he has committed. One day a minister came and told him about the grace of God. He's surprised to hear that God can forgive him all the crimes that he has done because Jesus died for all of them, and God can change him as a new man if he believes in Jesus. The minister encourages him to try Jesus and see what God can do in his life. The man decided to try Jesus and believe in Jesus since there is nothing to lose for him, so he did. After believing in Jesus and starts reading the Bible, he begins to feel in his heart that he is changing from within. He stops becoming violent and starts focusing on doing good things in prison; thus, they release him early from prison because of his good behavior.
The grace of God allows us to be the people that God wants us to be. Our fears turn to confidence in Him. Our sadness turns to joy. Our troubled hearts starts to be overwhelmed by the piece of God. God is the one who saves us, He is the one who is sustaining us in this life, and He is the one who will take us home when our life is over on this earth.
Ask yourself these questions: Can God save me through my good works? Why does believing in Jesus is very important in my salvation? Who can change my heart so that I can do good?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in heaven, thank you for everything. I am so thankful for saving me and changing me to be the person you want me to be. Thank you for your love, grace, and mercy. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Comments