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Know your need => When Jesus told the story of the prodigal son(Luke 15:11-32). He was addressing the self-righteous Pharisees who were grumbling because He spent time with those they considered to be the dregs of society. He made it clear that He had come for such people, as they were aware of their need for help and were not ashamed to submit to Jesus and receive all that He had for them. You cannot be helped until you recognise your need and desire it met. Then and only then, will you be positioned to receive the answer. Christians became so, because they acknowledged that they needed a saviour, they called on Him and they received the life of Christ in them. Grace is for meeting needs.
1. "But when Jesus heard, He said to them, the ones who are whole do not need a physician, but the ones who are sick. But go and learn what this is, I will have mercy and not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. " (Matthew 9:12-13 MKJV)
2. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness! For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6 MKJV)
The point of admission => The outcasts of society are under no illusion that they need help, but this is not the case for the average or super talented. The Pharisees were under the self delusion that they were in good shape, Jesus did not spend His time trying to convince them otherwise. As we must all come to our own point of admission that we are not able, in our own strength and then call for help. The prodigal son thought He could live with out the guidance and support of His father. He left with His inheritance. Detached from sense, He was eventually all spent and ready to see sense. Life had brought Him to his point of admission. The point of admission is the entry point into grace.
1. "..the younger son gathered all together and went away into a far country. And there he wasted his property, living dissolutely. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land. And he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country. And he sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to fill his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, and no one gave to him. And when he came to himself.." (Luke 15:13-17 MKJV)
2. "..Nebuchadnezzar..was driven from men, and ate grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of the heavens, until his hair had grown like eagles' feathers, and his nails like birds' claws. And at the end of days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up my eyes to Heaven, and my understanding returned to me.." (Daniel 4:33-34 MKJV)
The power of submission => Having experienced the limitations of self, it then becomes time to submit to the one with the answer. Submission is the key to receiving, the hand of the giver hovers over that of the receiver, the receiver has to open up their hand to receive. The submission of faith is the point of engagement into grace and the key to enjoying its many benefits.
1. "And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father abound in loaves, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you and am no more worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants. And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you, and am no more worthy to be called your son. But the father said to his servants, Bring the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf here and kill it. And let us eat and be merry, for this my son was dead and is alive again, he was lost and is found. And they began to be merry." (Luke 15:17-24 MKJV)
2. "And at the end of days, I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up my eyes to Heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His rule is from generation to generation. And all the people of the earth are counted as nothing; and He does according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the people of the earth. And none can strike His hand, or say to Him, What are You doing? At that time my reason returned to me. And the glory of my kingdom, my honor and brightness returned to me. And my advisers and my lords came for me, and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and exalt and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble." (Daniel 4:34-37 MKJV)
Where are you in your journey? To enjoy grace, you need to come to the point of entry. Come to your senses that you can't, submit to He who can.
Selah
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