Message: The Riches of Grace in Our Desolate Places (06/29/'24)

Message: The Riches of Grace in Our Desolate Places Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the desolate places of our lives, where ruin and despair seem to dominate, we often find ourselves echoing the cries of ancient times. The whisper of doom, "You are unable to break free from your sins," can feel overwhelming. The weight of our transgressions may seem like unbreakable chains binding us to a fate we cannot escape. Consider the words of Isaiah, where in the ruins of the cities, lambs eat grass, and young goats find pasture. Even in destruction, life finds a way. Yet, the lament remains: "You are doomed!" This resonates deeply with our own struggles and the burdens we carry. In a poignant and tragic story from 2 Kings, we encounter a heart-wrenching scenario: a mother’s desperate pact for survival. "This woman said to me, 'Give your son, that we may eat him today, and we will eat my son tomorrow.'" Such desperation speaks volumes about the lengths to which we might go when hope seems lost and despair consumes us. Amidst these shadows of despair, where do we turn for help? From the threshing floor or from the winepress? The answers are not always clear, and the search for solace can be relentless. But there is a glimmer of hope that shines through even the darkest of times. According to the riches of grace, there is redemption. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us of the forgiveness and salvation found in Christ—redemption through His blood, a grace so pure that it transforms and renews. This grace reaches into our ruins and despair, offering mercy that never dies. In these desolate places, hold fast to the promise of grace. Though doom may cloud our skies, grace abounds—unending and deep, turning our darkness into light. It is a beacon guiding us from the depths of ruin to the heights of redemption. Let us embrace this grace, allowing it to transform our lives, to break the chains of sin, and to lead us into the light of God's eternal mercy. In the lament of ancient cries and the echoes of our modern struggles, may we find hope and redemption in the boundless riches of God's grace. In Christ’s love and grace, Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 29, 2024)