“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
A particular teacher would start each school term by giving every student in the class an A. Only when students were not working to the best of their ability or their attitude toward learning was not positive would their grades begin to change. The students would lose the grade they were given at the beginning of the term, and it would be moved downwards.
This was a great system for those students who had never been able to achieve an A grade in school before because they could know what it felt like to have it all given freely without earning it. It also challenged those who were used to achieving an A grade on their own merits.
In Jesus Christ, we have it all. We have been bought with Jesus’ blood shed on the cross at Calvary, and by faith, we are forgiven and have eternal life. God has given you the kingdom — His kingdom — in Jesus’ name. God has given you an A, the highest grade you can get, and you don’t have to earn it. Instead, you have already received it by faith in Jesus. The only difference with God compared to the school teacher is that when you mess up, fail or sin, God doesn’t take away the A grade He has given you. He calls you in Jesus to repent and receive the gift of forgiveness again.
What peace this brings, knowing that as you believe Jesus died for your sins, you cannot ever lose what Jesus has won for you on the cross. Life in the kingdom of God now, here on earth and in heaven eternally.
Do not be afraid of the future. Do not be afraid to serve the Lord by going out into the world to love others. Do not be afraid, little flock, for God has given you everything you need for today, tomorrow and eternity.
Prayer
Lord, I thank You for the gift of Your Son and the blessings of forgiveness You have so freely given! I ask that You continue to watch over me and grant me mercy when I fall back into sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
