-Try As You Might

I was mailing a DVD back to Netflix this week and pulled up in my car behind a guy at the post office trying to mail something himself.  He passed the first BIG mailbox and opted for the smaller one (always a bad choice in my opinion – but that’s another story) reaching out to mail his lone envelope.  Try as he might he couldn’t seem to reach the mailbox.  I could see him stretching as far as he could in hopes of letting go of the envelope and really hoping it would arrive safely at the bottom of the box.  He did let go but his mail landed on the ground instead of in the mailbox.  God’s Kingdom, God’s salvation, God’s love is just like this.  We can do everything possible to get close to God.  We can do everything to earn His love and trust.  We can do everything right and still… fall WAY short. 

We can never reach far enough – the gap is too wide.  Who are we?  Really – who are we fooling?  We mess up all the time – what gives?  How can we ever get God’s attention and not fall flat on the ground every time.  Jesus.  Yup, Christ Himself!  Truth is there is nothing we can do.  No amount of stretching through attendance at church, prayer before bedtime, or good deeds for others will get us any closer to God’s favor.  How come?  Jesus already did everything!  God graces us – Jesus’ death gave us a free gift of forgiveness, faith and eternal life.  Martin Luther says no amount of work will do… Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Scripture Alone.  When we embrace Faith, Grace and God’s Word we are so filled with God’s Spirit that as a reflex – we help others, pray, attend church and so much more.  Not the other way around.  Peace!