I will be the first to admit that I am not an English language expert. I may have had better grades in New Testament “Greek” than I did in my college English class. While I may not know how to speak very good English, I do know that certain words, when placed in a sentence, can make an impact on what is being said.
You might not believe that just two words could change a story at all, however, this Sunday we will consider two words that represent the truth that the tragic story of this world has not, and will not, flow along like a raging, uncontrollable river. Ephesians the second chapter opens with the words, “but God”. God has entered the story. And, God didn’t only enter the story, that would be good news enough, but he enters with grace, ‘for by grace you have been saved!’ God enters the story of our broken human existence with grace, love, and mercy. When it’s hard to understand the depth of brokenness in your own heart and in this world, remember those two words. But God. Within those words is a universe of hope and possibility.
Our world thirsts for grace in ways it does not even recognize.” The hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ edged its way onto the Top Ten charts two hundred years after composition.” The hymn’s composer John Newton, who was once an infidel and slave trader, had been thirsty for grace. After he discovered the grace of God, he never ceased to be amazed. And people have never ceased singing his song, “Amazing Grace.”
