2003-01-27 - Peace Officer 904

Jude 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

I don't always play stupid, but sometimes I deserve a trophy for stupidity. Tuesday of last week was such a day. I pulled a bonehead move on the road out of frustration and did it in front of Peace Officer 904. Can you all say oops with me, and then bop me on the head? I never do that stuff, but I did and I am a complete idiot. When the Officer came to my window, I can't remember what I said, but it was something like, "I'm and idiot, I am sorry, I deserve a ticket." He basically told me I was an idiot took my information and went back to run up my info.

I will keep this short. He didn't give me a ticket. When I realized that he was going to cut me loose I felt like asking for one. I had just pulled a foolish move and his kindness was so undeserved. But for the record, it worked. I am trying to use much more "brain space" when I am on the road. However, while I am thankful for Peace Officer 904's kindness in many ways, (especially insurance charges), I am more thankful for his example to me of how forgiveness can affect a life.

You all know where I am going with this. What I was given was unmerited favor -- undeserved grace. I deserved judgment and the penalty that comes with it, but I was given grace and mercy that I did not deserve. When I was in Seminary the Professors would say, well, it was not up to par and now you know about God's justice. Thankfully, that never applied to me, but I know a bunch of friends who it did happen too.

God's grace is favor that we have done nothing to deserve. I got that last Tuesday. I deserved judgment, but I was given grace. I am so thankful for that, but it has also made me mindful of God's grace. Thank you 904, I think you made the right call, but you taught me a lesson that far exceeds my stupidity on the road.

You told me to do something nice for someone because you were being nice to me. Well, you have no idea how many people will read this, and so a reminder about the grace of God is the nicest thing I can do for anyone. God's mercy is never deserved. Your kindness was not deserved either. See you on the road. If I do I hope a wave will be all the contact we need -- no blue and red lights.

Soli Deo Gloria,
T-

tim@cfdevotionals.org
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