THE ACTIONS OF GRACE
By Bishop Mike Okonkwo
Friday 6th January 2023
“And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace” John 1:16 (KJV)
Jesus was called a friend of sinners. They could not understand His purpose. He kept trying to make them understand, grace. They brought a woman who was caught in adultery to Him, expecting Him to condemn the woman. They brought her to Grace and when she came to Grace, she received the gift of no condemnation. The religious rulers were confused. What manner of man is this? This man is turning our tables upside down. That is what Grace does.
Jesus came to the house of Zacchaeus. He was a man that terrorized his environment. No one wanted to associate with him. Regardless, Jesus said to him, this day I am going to have dinner in your house. Zacchaeus was shocked. He received Grace and by himself decided to return illegally acquired goods; Jesus didn’t prompt him to do it. When Grace comes, everything changes. Things must turn around. That is why I don’t understand when people say they have received Grace and are still living riotously. No! If you have received Grace, there will be a change. You can’t continue the way you were. Grace will always bring a change in your life when you truly appreciate Him.
Jesus was going to deliver a man that was demonized. The devil fought tooth and nail to stop Jesus from meeting him. When God wants to show you grace, religious people always want to fight. The devil fought Jesus on the high sea, trying to stop Him. That’s how important you are to Jesus. He will bypass thousands in other to reach one person. He hazarded His life in the storm, just for one man.
After his deliverance, Jesus said to him, go and tell everyone what great things the Lord has done for you. The reason the devil wanted to kill you is because I put something inside of you before you were born. You are a publisher. You are a proclaimer of the good news. Go to the city and tell everyone what a wonderful thing I have done for you. That is what Grace does.
Further reading: Luke 19:1-10.
Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Gen. 15-17 / Evening- Matt. 5:27-48