Have you ever thought about breathing? We inhale fresh air; we fill our lungs with our most vital need. This clean air carries life-giving oxygen. Our lungs take the oxygen and—somehow, miraculously—give the oxygen to each red blood cell. The life-giving air has now become mixed into our bloodstream. Arteries carry the oxygen, the air we breathed just moments ago, to every corner of our body. Every cell receives oxygen. Our cells could not function without its steady stream. And something more happens. Deep inside us each cell gives away whatever is old and dirty. Arteries become veins, and those same cells carry away the waste back to the lungs. We exhale and rid ourselves of what we no longer need. Physicians call this respiration, but it’s really grace, God’s grace, played out 20,000 times a day. That’s how often (and how deeply) we need that grace.
Vagabond Grace
Grace was born in a stable and although he was homeless, he welcomed others as they celebrated his coming. Grace pulled back the veil between heaven and earth; his coming turned the night sky into the glory of God. Grace is where shepherds dine with magi and humble young parents play host to perfect strangers. Grace brings together the most unlikely people.
Grace is a vagabond. Grace wanders; he does not build a house. Grace searches for welcome. Grace calls at every door but never trespasses. He stands at the door and knocks, and he’s fully prepared to bring a feast inside. Vagabond grace is the beggar bearing treasure. We welcome the wretch into our home; he reaches into his threadbare bag and pulls out gifts more precious than gold. His satchel holds love, joy, and peace. He bestows patience and kindness. He fills the room with the fragrance of goodness and leaves behind a map to faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Grace is the subtle breath of God clothed in humanity. Grace gives thanks for a humble meal of bread and fish and then invites thousands to sit and eat. Grace suggests a ladle of water can lead to gallons of sweet wine and then winks at his friends, the only ones in on the jest. Grace never condemns yet somehow commands us to go and sin no more. Grace walks the pavement and it turns to gold.
Grace supplies our deepest need. We want a deliverer; God sends grace. We want to see power and the glory; God sends grace and truth. We want a king; God sends a servant. Without title or rank, Grace rules the world. Grace has legions at his command and never once calls for their aid.
Grace is never a tyrant but forever a king.
