“God has posted his traffic signs everywhere we look. In the universe, in Scripture, even within our own hearts. Yet we persist in disregarding his directions. But God does not give us what we deserve. He has drenched his world in grace. It has no end. It knows no limits.”- Max Lucado
“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again.”- John 6:35 (NLT)
As Max Lucado concludes Chapter 4 of Outlive Your Life, he continues his discussion of Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. After Peter finished talking about three God-given endorsements of Christ, Max notes, people began to realize their mistake. Thus, the gravity of their crime oppressed them. And, on three occasions during his sermon, Peter pointed a verbal, perhaps even physical finger, at the crowd.
Consequently, Pastor Lucado observes, that resulted in a new question from the crowd. Max describes the change:
“The question of the hour changed. ‘Whatever could this mean?’ (a question of the head) became ‘What shall we do?’ (a question of the heart).”
Yes, eventually Peter spoke of issues such as poverty, disease, and bigotry. However, the first order of Peter’s sermon involved this: pardon for all our sins. Therefore, Peter delivered the bread.
In conclusion, Pastor Lucado points out, Jesus certainly lived up to the title Bread of Life. However, the author exhorts, on must open the loaf. In other words, have you truly received God’s forgiveness? Max ends with these thoughts:
“[Grace] empowers this life and enables us to live the next. God offers second chances like a soup kitchen offers meals to everyone who asks. And that includes you. Make sure you receive the bread. . . . So along with cups of water, plates of food, and vials of medicine, let there be the message of sins forgiven and death defeated. Remember the bread.”
Today’s question: How do God’s traffic signs point to a world drenched in His grace? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “His body – known to misbehave”
