Famous Last Words

"Remember the Alamo!"
"We've nothing to fear but fear itself."
"Ask not what your country can do for you....Ask what you can do for your country!"

Phrases and words that ring out across history because they defined a moment in time.
These words may have been spoken during a great struggle or in the middle of a catastrophic event. Men and women stood to address to addrress a nation looking for answers or encouragement. These now famous words and phrases, for what ever reason, have stood the test of time and have become embedded in the psyche of our citizens.

Have you ever really considered the last words written in the Bible?
Could it be that we should view these words of Scripture in the same light we do those recorded in our nations history? I think that clearly the words of in Scripture carry a higher purpose.
Revelation 22:21---
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
If you just give a cursory nod to this sentence it sounds like a flowery sentiment used to close out a very mysterious and prophetic book. If you look closer you will find that this is a statement and promise given by God to His people everywhere. Not only that, but this promise has stretched across time itself to carry the same weight and meaning as the day John penned it. This promise has not lost steam or power because of time. Time cannot rob God of His will or His ability to carry through on His Word.

John says that God is going to give to every believer a wonderful gift........that being GRACE!
How sweet the sound of that word.......GRACE. John Newton knew a little bit about GRACE when he penned his epic poem turned song, Amazing Grace. The understanding of GRACE escapes most of us because it has become just another religious sounding word.

Here is the definition of Grace that I learned:
Grace is the empowering presence of God in my life that enables me to be who God created me to be, and to do what God has called me to do.
In other words, GRACE is a force, a power, given by God to me to carry out the plans of His Kingdom will here on planet earth. Here in the book of Revelation the very last thing God dictates and sends to His people is His GRACE.

why would Jesus, as stated in Rev. 22:21, grant us grace? I think we will find the answer in Hebrews 4:15-16 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Did you catch that? Our High Priest (Jesus) understands the human condition. He came down from heaven and took on a human body. He walked, talked , slept, ate, fellowship with humanity. He saw the struggle of mankind. The evil and unjust actions of those who belong to their father, the devil. He felt within his own soul the very battle that takes place when temptation comes. It was for this reason that Grace was given. Grace is also a magnet that draws us to Jesus. Grace is the tide that keeps the full fury and weight of hell at bay. It is the Holy Spirit at work in us as we stand to speak and live the Word of God in a city, town or village that, by the actions of the people, have declared "we have no need for this Word of God."

Pray today for your family and friends.
Pray for neighbors and people you work with.
Pray for God's grace to give you the empowerment needed to simply tell your story today.
"I once was blind, now I see."

God on you..........
mb