Grace

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Romans 16:24

Paul wanted what was best for his readers. The sixteenth chapter of Romans is full of people to whom Paul refers to by name. He greets them, compliments them, exhorts them and blesses them. Our text is the end of his greetings and the beginning of his benediction. He expresses his desire that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ would be with them all. Paul was a recipient of the grace of Christ himself. He could desire nothing greater for those to whom he ministered than that they would receive this grace as well. To receive the grace of Christ implies so many things. We must receive grace to be saved. These whom Paul was addressing were already saved so he must have meant more than that. We need grace to continue in the faith. We need grace to become more like Christ. We need grace to make much of Christ. We need grace to remain faithful to Christ in the face of opposition. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is utterly indispensable. Therefore, when Paul desires this for his readers he is articulating what would be the highest good for them. We want such grace ourselves. Furthermore, we want this grace for all whom we encounter. Nothing else takes the place of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our Good and Gracious God,
we rejoice at what You have given to us in Christ.
We praise You that You will continue to
extend grace to us throughout eternity.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning