By Pastor Don Schaz

When You Get What You Didn’t Order

“For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 English Standard Version

Recently I ordered groceries and had them delivered.  As I unpacked the bags and put things away, I had a surprise.  I got a surprise . I found something I didn’t order.  I ordered Cottage Cheese.  I received a box of Strawberry Fruit Bars.  After a conversation with the store, we decided to leave things as they were.  My grandchildren were delighted.

No doubt you have heard the simple definition of “grace” from God:  When we get what we do not deserve.  Forgiveness, adoption as his children, salvation and eternal life.  No effort on our part is needed.  We do not even need to place and order with the Lord, then wait to see if we get what we wanted.  God knows about that better than we do anyway.  We would ask for whatever is the spiritual equivalent of cottage cheese.  I’m certain that differs for each of us.  But we all receive from the Lord the same thing.  The spiritual equivalent of Strawberry Fruit Bars.  Grace.  Work with me here, please.  And grace bears the sweet fruit of forgiveness, adoption, salvation and eternal life.  And more, frankly.  What about the blessing of fellowship in the Church?  What about eyes that see and ears that hear Jesus?  What about the Holy Spirit, continually whispering to our spirits that we are children of God.

Jesus liked to say, “If you know how to give good things to your children, how much more your heavenly Father?”  Our heavenly Father gives us Jesus.  He might even throw in the cottage cheese.  When we open our eyes every morning, we find Jesus, Immanuel, with  us.  We find grace waiting to propel us into the day.  We step out of bed, ready for something even better than Strawberry Fruit Bars.  What will you find in your spiritual grocery bag?

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado