GREAT GRACE
“And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”- Acts 4:33
The Book of Acts describes the mighty power of the Holy Spirit working in, through, and for the saints, and it is amazing. Keep in mind that all this was done in the face of adversity. Yet, although severely persecuted, the church prospered.
It’s easy to look at this and heap praises upon those who were used so mightily, but the greater praise belongs to God. The key to everything good about that early church is found in the phrase “and great grace was upon them all.” They had been touched by the grace of God and testified of the grace of God. It was the motivation for their ministry and the means of their miracles. Grace was the power that made them productive. They were blessed and a blessing because of the grace of God.
Some take this phrase to mean that great grace was shown to them by those to whom they ministered, but that doesn’t rule out or lessen the fact that it was God’s grace that brought them such grace. He is the God of all grace. The grace of God preserved them in the persecution and prompted them to provide for others. So, however you look at this, it was God’s grace that brought them their blessings. It is the same with us. The recipients of grace should respond with grace, and they will receive grace.
Success in God’s work is never due to the brilliance of our mind, the amount of our ability, or the power of our persuasion. It is the greatness of God’s grace that enables us. And it is always greater than our need. Whatever great trial you are facing today you can rest assured that God’s grace is sufficient to sustain you (2 Cor. 12:9). – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
