For the law was given through Moses;
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
It seems to me that this verse
encapsulates the difference between religion and being a follower of
Jesus. In religion, humans do whatever
they can to reach God through their own efforts. This is exemplified by people attempting to
reach God by trying to fulfill the requirements of the Law of Moses. The grace and truth that came from God
through Jesus was God’s free offer to all humans to enter into a new, restored
relationship with God. It had nothing to
do with our efforts or actions. Living
by the grace and truth of God was not a result of anything we could do for
ourselves. Religion, in all of its manifestations,
including religious forms of Christianity, is merely human effort to reach God;
the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ is God’s effort to reach and
to reconcile humanity to Himself.
On a personal level, I am challenged
to not get seduced into thinking that there are things or actions I can do on my
own to earn me the right to enter into the presence of God. It is easy for me to imagine that, if only I did
certain things or did a certain number of good
things, I would be allowed into His presence.
Usually I can tell when I am thinking this way, because I get anxious or
irritable and I lack the internal peace that He gives. It is only when I humble myself and follow
what I sense to be the leading of the Holy Spirit, that I enter into a place
where I can hear God’s quiet whisper and can follow His leading.
Questions to consider: Is there a
difference between the Law of Moses and the grace and truth of Jesus
Christ? If so, what is it? How does it impact your life? Do you struggle trying to work your way into
God’s presence? How are you able to enter
His presence?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your
grace and truth given to us in Jesus.
Help me to open my arms to You in order to receive what You have for
me. Amen.
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