August 31, 2022 – Wednesday
Hebrews 12:15 NIV
15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Hebrews 12:15 ESV
15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled
Comment
We cannot cause anyone to obtain the grace of God, but we can be part of the cause if not the cause of someone falling short of the grace of God. How we can be at fault is addressed indirectly in the prior verse where we are to, 14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord NIV or to 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord ESV.
Are we living in peace with everyone or are we striving for peace with everyone? That is key to bringing the good news of the grace of God to all those around us. Additionally, we are to live holy lives or to strive for a life of holiness, that is living a life moving ever more closely to the ideal of Jesus. We will never get there, but that is what we are to do. Instead of holy or holiness, we could use sanctification as it clearly means separation from the values of the world and choosing instead the values of God.
Moving towards holiness or sanctification is something those around us can observe as well. Do they see us living in a peace made possible only by the grace of God? And then do they see us embracing the values of God and eternal life in heaven? These two things in our lives and observable to those around us makes for its own invitation to the grace of God. Stephen, the first martyr, exemplified this when, as he was being stoned to death, he said Acts 7:59-60, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” He was extending grace to those who refused to extend grace to him.
How we live out our faith is noticed by those around us as they look at our behavior and wonder, “Is this for me? Could I live like he or she does?” Our joy in living a life knowing our sins have been forgiven can cause people to want what we have even when they disagree with us. God can use our lives to lead others to Christ as long as we live in peace with our eyes on eternity with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Bottom Line: Will we live our lives in such a manner, others might want what we have?
Prayer: Almighty God, You have given us so much through the grace we have received from Your Son’s payment for our sins on the cross. Help us to share the wonder of that forgiveness, that undeserved grace, with others in how we live our lives. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek