Stoop & Reflect Jesus

 By: Joanne Viola

 

Grace. The word has been weaving through my thoughts for a week now.

Grace. We all need some in our lives, especially God’s grace. At the moment, when we are aware that we are helpless and weak, we are always able to turn to God and receive help. Jesus reminds us,

“Apart from me, you can do nothing.” 
(John 15:5)

Jesus doesn’t mean we can’t do anything. He means we can't do anything which will have any spiritual or eternal effect without Him. It is only in His strength and by His grace, when we call upon His Name, that we are able to do that which will last.

“There is no one too weak for God to help, only people too strong.”
(author unknown)

When we find ourselves unsure, lacking strength or wisdom, may we turn to our God in prayer. Why?

“Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!”
(Psalm 116:2, NLT)

“He stoops to look down on heaven and earth. 
He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. 
He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! 
He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother. 
Praise the Lord!” 
(Psalm 113:6-9, NLT)

What imagery these verses bring to my mind – a hand extended, lifting us up out of any pit we may find ourselves in. This should deposit hope into each of us in whatever state we may find ourselves.

Grace has been defined as > “that which causes joy, that which creates delight in the recipient; favor without expectation of any return” (New Testament Lexical Aids, 5921).

God extends His grace to us to bring us joy and delight without any expectations in return. If God Himself stoops to help us, how much more are we to stoop to help others?

May we be reflections of the grace which we ourselves have received.
May we find grace to humble ourselves,
stoop, and reflect Him.

 

 

Reflection:
How can we best stoop and reflect Jesus? Think of someone you can reach out to and delight today.

 

Photo by Igor Kasalovic on Unsplash