Grace is not opposed to effort, you may have heard, but it is opposed to earning. God’s grace is a gift, not a reward. It is his settled disposition toward us activated when we recognize it for what it is and receive it from God’s generous, loving hand. 

We do not earn grace by religious activity. We do not earn it by religious works. We do not earn it by being nice to everybody. 

We receive grace when we understand how much we need it because of the sheer totality of our inability to ultimately and finally be good enough, pure enough, perfect enough to stand before a holy God. 

One of the best habits disciples, followers of Jesus like you and me, can do is read through the Gospel accounts in orderly fashion again and again. Walk with Jesus through all he said and did. Listen to his many questions. Observe his way with people. Ponder why he said he came and who he says he is. 

Jesus does for us what we are incapable of doing for ourselves. This is grace. This attracted individuals, brothers, and crowds. 

The crowds gathered to be with Jesus. They climbed with him to the opportune place and the opportune moment to hear his heart and to know his will and ways. Today is Sunday. If you are not confined to home like some of us who are recuperating from one thing or another, today is a good day to climb with Jesus. It’s a good time to hear his heart and to embrace his will and ways. 

If you are confined to home, check out your home church’s online worship. Soon, we will gather around the television to sing worship songs and learn God’s words of truth and life. I can’t climb today, but I can draw near to Jesus in other ways. How about you?

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I will climb with Jesus even if the journey requires technology to lead me into the presence of our church family for praise and worship. 

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Our Father, thank you for your amazing and abundant grace. Thank you for empowering us as climbing companions. Even when we cannot walk, we can ascend to new heights as you take us where we are and carry us where we need to be. Thank you for this journey that helps us know your will and ways, your plan and purpose. Amen.