Back at the beginning of Transitions by The Book, almost twelve years ago, I kept experimenting with a formula that would be predictable and consistent from post to post. I finally decided that each post would contain a story, followed by a Bible verse, an encouragement and a short prayer. That way, if people were busy, they could go right to whatever they had time to read and at least get whatever motivation or encouragement they needed in their life on that day.
As I got more involved in writing and TBTB started to take on a life of its own, I remembered the words of Paul in virtually every one of his epistles. Paul was very fond of speaking of God’s grace followed by knowing the peace of God.
You see, we serve a merciful God and in seminary we learned that God’s grace is one of the preeminent things that we need to be conscious of. Grace is defined as “undeserved mercy” and every Christ follower knows what I am speaking of. Only through God’s grace can we truly experience divine peace. So Paul references “grace and peace” in all of his writings – and grace always comes first – it precedes peace. This is a cornerstone concept that is critically important to understand and embrace as we grow in our individual faith journeys.
This revelation is so important to me that I started finishing my emails and letters with the closing, “Grace and peace,”… In time, I also started using this particular closing at the end of my posts. Most of you can probably recite it verbatim – “Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…” For more than 1000 posts, I have never deviated from this formula – until last Sunday!
I just forgot to write the end… I don’t even have an excuse… and perhaps some of you didn’t even notice… but I did. It was too late, as the post had already gone out on social media and to each of you who receive it in your inbox.
As I re-read my last post, it just felt like I didn’t finish it. I’m funny about that sort of thing. I think it has to do with having conducted so many weddings and and church services. I like to finish those events with a benediction – a blessing over the people who have taken time to attend. The same thing is true here. My post isn’t complete until I pronounce the benediction. And I have chosen the words “grace and peace…” In fact, I hope that you look forward to receiving my benediction each time I write.
Now I don’t know how I will be convicted in the future but for now I still feel called to write these words at the end of each article. By now, I am sure that you know the verse for tonight comes from the apostle Paul. I could have chosen virtually any book he wrote but I landed on his second letter to the Thessalonians.
Paul tells us, right up front in the second verse of this tremendous book, of God’s grace and peace. He tells the church, and us, in 2 Thessalonians 1:2, “Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
That pretty much says it all – grace and peace. And yes, I feel better now that I have set the matter straight. My encouragement this evening is that it is important to be able to accept God’s grace. It’s nothing we can earn – it’s just there… My prayer is that we can rest in the knowledge that we serve a merciful God who extends grace to us and that we can experience the divine peace that comes as a result… And now, for my benediction! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…