The gospel of grace

I opened my facebook recently to see this charming little story at the top of my wall, shared by W, a close friend of my cousin, with whom I have become FB friends. W has two small children, and their antics often amuse and entertain me, but this particular story really touched my heart, because it so exemplified what the grace of God is all about. W writes,

"Tonight's moment: J is having to sit at the table until he finishes his meal and after quite a while A says she will sit with him. A few minutes later, A comes to tell me that J's meal is gone. I asked if he ate it and she says, "Well I ate some of it. I thought I would show him grace." ...insert tears and a hug here..."

What a wonderful role model they must have, to understand the meaning of grace at so tender an age. Little A didn't just show her little brother grace, she lived it by participating in the distribution of grace to the undeserving, sharing in his punishment to release him from his wrongdoing despite having done the right thing herself. How deep is her understanding of grace, and how much we can learn from her.

Children are a frequent subject of Bible stories, and many references are made to the innocent and trusting state of a child. Jesus rebuked his disciples when they tried to interfere as he connected over and over again with children, and he seems to hold children in a very special place in his life and ministry. His example is one which we should look at closely, because it is clear that Jesus values the children, and there is a lesson for us to be found there.

God sent Jesus to us as a child to lead us from the wilderness of sin and evil into the light of righteousness. In Isaiah 11:6b, we are told, "...a child shall lead them." This was the prophecy of the coming of Jesus, a promise that we would be led by a blameless and innocent child. Although the people didn't understand the meaning of this promise or the power it held for them, I think little A demonstrated her knowledge quite clearly of how simple grace truly is.

When we share in the act of grace with another, it demonstrates a true understanding of what Jesus did for us. It is no accident that Jesus came to share the act of grace as a child. It is his gift to us to lead a blameless life then take our place as his ultimate act of grace through the promise of the cross and his resurrection. We can do no less than to carry his message of grace and salvation as our banner of victory.

Our children will reveal us as the people we are and who we aspire to be. I think W, and Jesus, were both very proud of A that day. She makes a beautiful example of the gospel of grace!

*Story used with permission.