Grace Upon Grace

We can never get enough grace.  But, then, as we read the Word, we come to understand that there is more than enough to go around to all of us.  The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "...where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."  (Romans 5:20)  And in another letter, he would speak of the all sufficient nature of grace.  (II Corinthians 12:9)  When it comes to grace, it is like this inexhaustible resource.  No matter how much is given to us, there is always more to get us through and past the next need.   

In the Prologue of the gospel of John, this disciple of Jesus affirms this same truth as he says about Jesus, "From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace."  (John 1:16)  The image of grace upon grace is one which speaks powerfully to the need of our spiritual life.  Early in our journey of faith, we are tempted to think that somehow it is about what we do in expressing our devotion to God, or what we do in service to the needy ones around us, but if we are blessed to walk awhile with Christ, we begin to realize that it is truly about His grace enabling us to become who our heart longs to be.    The spiritual life is not a do-it-yourself project, or a self-improvement program, but a journey that is dependent on something we do not deserve and cannot earn. 

The journey we walk is paved with grace upon grace.  It comes to us, fills us, and enables us as if we are walking in the long shadow of Jesus.  The closer we are to Him, the greater the awareness of this life giving grace.  May Christ be before us, may Christ be behind us, may Christ be beside us, may Christ be within us that we might constantly know this marvelous gift of grace upon grace.