That Blagojevich: What an idiot!

"That Blagojevich: What an idiot!"

Yep, those words escaped my lips when I read the story reporting on the Illinois Governor's alleged attempts to profit from his power to appoint a person to President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. What was the man thinking? How corrupt can a politician be. Oh, my outrage was in fine form. Too often I forget who I once was and begin to think thoughts of judgment like: "Why doesn't she just do something about it?" "Do we have to deal with this again?" "Can't he just control those impulses?" It's so much easier to point the finger of blame than it is to extend our arms in a healing embrace.

So, now you're thinking, "Jerry, don't you think people should accept responsibility for their actions and change?" I sure do. However, I also know that restoration of those who have fallen down cannot begin without grace. That's my story! With David, I have cried, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me." (Psalm 51:3, NIV) With Paul, I have prayed, "Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?" (Romans 7:24, NLT) No one, not me, not you; is above the need for grace, for forgiveness. That's what we find in Christ Jesus. And, the love He extends to us should make us the most loving, grace-filled people in the world.

Love is the Big Story of the Bible. The Law of Moses with all the "thou shalts and shalt not's" showed what God desired of us and makes us aware of the wide gap that exists between Who He is and who we are. In spite of all our knowledge; in spite of the threat of punishment; we sinned anyway, only deepening our sense of guilt and alienation. Then, Jesus came. His life and love is a scandalous thing, offered to the lowest, the worst. It cannot be earned, bought, or begged. It is a gift, offered in love, freely to those who believe! Paul exults, "Immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us!" (Ephesians 2:4-5, The Message) The entire letter of Ephesians is loaded with superlatives that celebrate the power of His love. I cannot read the first two chapters of that letter without crying tears of joy for those who have received the grace described and tears of sorrow fro those who remain slaves to Self and sin because they just cannot believe how much God loves them - right where they are.

Tragically, too many who receive grace, who are transformed from the inside out, begin to believe they are better than 'those idiots' in their families, at work, that live next door, or who hold the Governor's office in Illinois! They forget that who they were, what they were capable of doing, the darkness that once caused them to stumble around in life. Gradually grace is replaced by a religious spirit; the beauty of the life of the Spirit replaced by the caricature of a 'holy life' based in regulations and fear of punishment. The Word says, "Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires." (Colossians 2:22-23, NLT) Sin tiptoes through the back door and makes itself at home even as the person deepens self-deception, pretending to be someone only God's grace can create!

Today, exult in His grace. Revel in the scandal that God would love you - love me - and love that idiot who has messed up his life so terribly!! Put away judgment of yourself, of others. Let grace work in you and through you.
"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.
And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.
May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." (Ephesians 3:16-20, NLT)
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Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt!

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
threaten the soul with infinite loss.
Grace that is greater,
yes, grace untold,
points to the refuge, the mighty Cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
what can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within!
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Grace Greater Than All Our Sin
Johnston and Towner © Public Domain