This post is a brief reflection on various quotes from Oswald Chamber’s devotional:
We are not meant to be seen as God’s perfect, bright-shining examples, but to be seen as the everyday essence of ordinary life exhibiting the miracle of His grace.
Oswald Chambers, June 15
Why is it that we often seek “big” or “important” things to do for God? Have you considered that simple obedience to Him daily is the avenue through which His grace shines through our lives? What does this mean? Are you a “miracle of His grace”? Do others see God in your daily actions and interactions? Ordinary life can be a powerful reflection of God’s great grace.
Jesus’ Example
Jesus often uses the “common” tasks and items of everyday life to teach about God and His Kingdom. Consider the woman at the well. Jesus uses the daily task of water gathering to explain how He is the “Water of Life.” Jesus also uses bread and the miracle of feeding thousands to identify Himself as the “Bread of Life.” My point here is simply that Jesus uses common tasks and everyday necessities to teach a deeper truth!
Why did Jesus wash the disciples feet? This was a servant’s job not something than a rabbi or Messiah would do! Jesus wanted to show the disciples that He came to serve not be served. He wanted them to know that He has the ability to wash away sins. Jesus sets the example of a servant leader who led by obedience to His Heavenly Father. For more:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-washing-feet.html
Obedience and Grace
I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it.
Chambers, June 15
Simple obedience is crucial! Holy Spirit guides us in all the ways of our lives! Do we heed His prompting? God places people in particular places at the “right” moment. We most likely won’t even be aware of this until later if at all. Are we trophies of grace and compassion or self-righteous judges condemning those around us? Oswald reminds us:
If I will do my duty, not for duty’s sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ.
Chambers, June 15
Do you believe that God is in charge directing all of the events of our lives? Our obedience opens avenues of grace! Chambers mentions how that drudgery is an opportunity to show forth God’s grace. It all depends on how you respond to your situation! In the previous devotional, June 14 Chambers reminds us to abide in Christ. It is through “abiding” in Him that we bear fruit and witness! Consider the Parable of the Vine in John 15. Jesus identifies Himself as “The True Vine.” We are the branches!
https://www.gotquestions.org/true-vine.html
Excellent summary quote from article above:
No one can serve God effectively until he is connected with Jesus Christ by faith. Jesus is our only connection with the God who gave life and who produces in us a fruitful life of righteousness and service.
Got Questions “What Did Jesus mean He said “I Am the True Vine (John 15:1)
Recall that Jesus teaches us that we can identify true believers/teachers from false teachers by their “fruits.” Walking with God and receiving His grace produces fruit in our lives. Consider the acts of the flesh: Galatians 5:19-21
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Versus the Fruit of Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Paul closes this chapter by encouraging us (V24-25)
24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
Consider the context of Galatians for a moment. False teachers were seeking to mislead the believers by adding legalistic requirements in addition to the Gospel. The key is to live and walk with Holy Spirit not focus on obeying man-made rules!
What may at first seem to be religious and “right” can in fact be yet another shackle. The solution is to remain in the Vine. Obey God in accordance with His Word and be sensitive to the guidance of Holy Spirit! God is about grace not legalistic rules that change behavior but not hearts.
Words of Grace & Hope 