Grace is God’s favor and help to all who receive the forgiveness offered in Christ. The first mention of “grace” in the Old Testament is Noah. In the midst of the wickedness of his day, Noah walked with God… “And Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). The Lord rescued him and his family.
The first mention of “grace” in the New Testament is Mary. In the midst of the Roman occupation, and deep poverty, God’s grace prevailed. The angel said to her, “Greetings, highly favored one, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28).
Our outward circumstances don’t change God’s plans or His working in the lives of those who love Him. Through hatred, rejection, and injustice, God’s grace still raised up Joseph to save all of Africa. Through Haman’s plotting and sorceries, God still raised up Esther to save her people. Through the mountain of satanic opposition to stop the second Temple from being built, the Lord said… “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain: and he shall bring forth the capstone (of the Temple) with shouts of ‘Grace, Grace!’ to it” (Zechariah 4:7).
Jesus has brought His grace and power into our lives. All who receive Him have a “standing” in grace that is eternal, unmovable, and strong (Romans 5:2). The early Church endured the evils of their day because “great grace was upon them all.” Likewise, God’s favor toward us in Christ guarantees our victory over these days. His promise still stands… “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to EVERY good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
When Jesus descends as the Capstone of the Living Temple, we too will shout, “Grace, Grace!”
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