Grace Is Given

“For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.” – Galatians 3:18

In her book “Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life”, Tish Harrison writes: “It’s remarkable that when the Father declares at Jesus’ baptism, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” Jesus hasn’t yet done much of anything that many would find impressive. He hasn’t yet healed anyone or resisted Satan in the wilderness. He hasn’t yet been crucified or resurrected.

It would make more sense if the Father’s proud announcement came after something grand and glorious—the triumphant moment after feeding a multitude or the big reveal after Lazarus is raised…

Baptism is the first word of grace spoken over us by the church.

In my tradition, Anglicanism, we baptize infants. Before they cognitively understand the story of Christ, before they can affirm a creed, before they can sit up, use the bathroom, or contribute significantly to the work of the church, grace is spoken over them and they are accepted as part of us. They are counted as God’s people before they have anything to show for themselves. When my daughters were baptized, we had a big celebration with cupcakes and champagne. Together with our community we sang “Jesus Loves Me” over the newly baptized. It was a proclamation: before you know it, before you doubt it, before you confess it, before you can sing it yourself, you are beloved by God, not by your effort but because of what Christ has done on your behalf. We are weak, but he is strong.”

God’s grace is His gift to us.

Thank Jesus for His death on the Cross. Thank Him that He is with you and continually gives grace to you.

“No one is safe by his own strength, but he is safe by the grace and mercy of God.” – Cyprian

“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:17