Hoarding grace

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God.  Romans 5:1-2 (NRSV)

The topic of survival is popular.  There are television shows that depict men and women surviving in remote areas with little resources.  The news will sometimes broadcast stories about families or groups who are hoarding food and ammunition in case of a catastrophe.

 

In Genesis 6:11-22, we can read about the first survivalist, Noah, who obeyed God, built an arc, and stored up food and animals in order to survive a catastrophic flood.  In verse 22, we read that Noah did this because this is what God commanded him to do.  In verse 13, God tells Noah that He has "determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence because of them;” God provided Noah with wisdom and skill in order to save himself and his family.

  

Recently, I have heard several stories about families who, in case of a catastrophic event, were learning how to survive with few resources.  These modern day Noahs have one big difference from the ancient Noah—their priority is to try to save themselves and their families instead of obeying God.

Paul says that our hope is not in our food stores or underground shelters.  Our hope does not have an earthly focus; our hope has an eternal focus. We hope of sharing the glory of God.  It is because of Jesus' suffering here on earth that we will not have to suffer in eternity.  We should think carefully about what we hoard for ourselves. We have a hoard of grace, given freely to us by Christ that will last for all eternity!