The more I think about grace, the more I realize how amazing grace is. Nature decrees that what goes up must come down. Grace declares that what comes down will be raised up and glorified. Nature decrees that what goes around comes around. With grace, everything is gift, unmerited and given unconditionally. Even if we have done nothing; it comes to us, like life, love and yes, grace and blessings.
The world is often driven by wealth, power and fame. I only need to look at the news to realize this. The business news is always about the creation and the amassing of wealth and more wealth. What is happening in Ukraine right now is all about who gets to keep the political power in that region. The Oscars, which millions watched and tweeted about last night, is all about the glitter and the glamor that comes with fame.
Wealth, power and fame can be very addicting. Once somebody has had a healthy helping to these, one is likely to become enslaved by them. I know two businessmen who started and put up a company together. They both said they would stop after they have made their first million. They in fact made millions. One has stopped and is now looking after his grandchildren. The other is still running after his billions. What is happening in Ukraine is not just a struggle of a people against a corrupt leader. It has now escalated into a power struggle between countries supporting the opposing sides. The Oscars had some pathetic moments last night when aging stars couldn’t have enough of fame and are still questing for it even though they are now but sorry shadows of their once glamorous selves.
Indeed, wealth, power and fame can bring us to dizzying heights from where it is very difficult to come down. Eventually, at the law of nature decrees, what comes up must come down. Wealth comes down to penury. Power comes down to helplessness. And fame comes down to ignominy.
Grace, on the other hand, lives on – in the love and care and service of those who receive it. For grace is the presence of God among us.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply,
“Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God!
It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God.
All things are possible for God.”
Mark 10:23-27