God’s Grace: An Old Story with a New Twist

Forgive me for borrowing  this story from myself, but it fits here, too…updated with a twist.

He stood outside the bank that frigid night.  He had sold all he owned, even his coat, to pay his debt, but it was not enough.  He had nowhere to go and no way to get there. 

Across the street, the wealthiest man in town was in his favorite restaurant, savoring his favorite meal.  He noticed the poor man and made a quick phone call to the bank’s president.  Upon learning the man’s story, the wealthy man decided to pay the poor man’s debt in full. 

The bank president immediately found the poor man and explained that the wealthy man had paid his debt.  The poor man, beaming, relayed his tremendous gratitude. 

The bank president told the man that there was more and handed him an envelope.  In it was a note from the wealthy man.  “Please also accept this gift card.  It bestows on you the privilege of being forever loved and taken care of in my mansion.”

What do you think the now debt-free man did with his gift card?

What have you done with yours?

You see, Mercy pays our debt, bringing us to a zero balance.  Grace is the gift card Jesus paid for with His Blood, and it has no expiration date.  It’s the unlimited love, wisdom, forgiveness, strength, purpose, compassion, freedom, courage, provision, healing, blessing, from the One who loves to provide for His Beloved.  It’s the offer of eternal life with God in Heaven AND full life here on Earth (John 10:10). 

All we have to do is graciously accept the card and live it.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace  that he lavished on us.  Ephesians 1:7,8