Grace Beyond Our Schemes
Scripture: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him” (Luke 15:20).
Major Point: God’s grace always exceeds our expectations and surpasses our schemes.
The beautiful surprise in both parables is that grace overwhelmed the schemes. The prodigal son never got to finish his carefully rehearsed speech about becoming a servant—his father was already running toward him with open arms, calling for a robe, ring, and celebration. The dishonest manager found commendation from the very person he had cheated.
This is how grace works. It doesn’t wait for us to get our spiritual act together. It doesn’t require us to present the perfect proposal or demonstrate adequate remorse. Grace runs toward us while we’re still a long way off, still covered in pig pen mud, still scheming about how to make things work.
Paul instructs that we should pray for all people because God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). God’s heart is already inclined toward mercy before we even think to ask for it. His grace is already flowing before we devise our schemes to earn it.
The father in Jesus’ parable wasn’t sitting on his porch hoping his son might return someday. He was watching, waiting, ready to run. This is our God—not reluctant to forgive, not requiring elaborate proofs of our worthiness, but eager to lavish His love on His wayward children.
Reflection: God’s grace is already flowing toward us before we even think to ask for it. How has God’s grace surprised you by exceeding your expectations? In what ways is He calling you to trust His abundant love?
Prayer: Loving Father, thank You for grace that surpasses all our schemes and exceeds all our expectations. Help us trust in Your abundant love rather than our own efforts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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