John 1:16-17 For from His (Jesus) fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
The formula to receive “grace” upon “grace” is to be full of Christ Jesus. Unmerited favour of God and undeserved goodness of God multiplies as He increases and we decrease. The more and more we surrender our selfish ambitions, intentions and inhibitions and embrace humility, honesty and holiness, grace will increase. Grace is like a divine bank account. The interest rate skyrockets when we walk in obedience. When we exercise patience, we get a huge incentive of divine empowerment deposited into our bank account. Forgiveness is another means to increase the balance of grace in our divine bank account. However, we must understand that “Grace” is not a result of our good works, generosity and godliness; it is simply the favour of God. We don’t deserve it nor do we qualify but we can augment grace by following the footsteps of Jesus. “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30).
When God’s nature is replaced with our short temper, cynicism and stubbornness, God’s grace will automatically increase. Hannah was childless. Tradition teaches us that if a Jewish bride was unable to bear children within 10 years, her husband would be allowed to take another wife. Hence, her husband, who loved her dearly, would have been forced to marry another wife after 10 years of waiting. His second wife Peninnah who reproduced like rabbits provoked Hannah whenever they had a feast. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the Lord, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat (1 Samuel 1:7). Rather than fighting back with the rival, Hannah ran to the feet of the Lord. When we react in human weakness, we withdraw from the divine bank account as we need “grace” to overcome our misdoings, but when we respond in godliness, grace is deposited into our bank account. Hannah received grace upon grace; she was not just blessed with a baby but with a prophet.
Grace upon Grace:
1. Fight: When our divine bank account is loaded with grace, God will fight our battles. Because the Lord your God is in the midst of you, and will fight for you against your enemies, to deliver you from danger. (Deuteronomy 20:4). Grace fights our battle.
2. Fend: Our divine bank balance can buy what our worldly bank balance cannot buy. But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit (Jeremiah 17:8). Pandemic, recession or depression will not affect us spiritually or materially. Grace fends for our needs.
3. Follow: Grace is our rear guard. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever (Psalm 23:6). Our divine bank account will employ bodyguards to protect our reputation and resources. Grace follows those who follow Christ.
Grace upon grace showers on those who ardently follow Jesus. When He increases, grace multiplies.
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your will, ways and works must increase in my life and my aspiration, ambitions and apprehensions must decrease. I want to receive grace upon grace. Amen
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