Lenten Devotional – Day 34

Q. 88. What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption?

A. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer, all which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

“So those who welcomed his message were baptized, ... They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” (Acts 2:41-42)

“...sacraments are more plainly designated, as when they are called the pillars of our faith. For just as a building stands and leans on its foundation, and yet is rendered more stable when supported by pillars, so faith leans on the word of God as its proper foundation, and yet when sacraments are added leans more firmly, as if resting on pillars. Or we may call them mirrors, in which we may contemplate the riches of the grace which God bestows upon us. For then, as has been said, he manifests himself to us in as far as our dullness can enable us to recognize him, and testifies his love and kindness to us more expressly than by word. - Institutes of the Christian Religion, John Calvin, Book 4, Chap. 14, Sec. 6

  They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). The word “devoted” is a rather long, compound Greek word. It means to “be strong toward.” The early Christians were “strong toward” certain things, namely, the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking bread and prayer.” In other words, they were people of the Word and people of Community.

  Notice that the apostles and the new Christians spent a lot of time in prayer. In prayer we’re able to express our longing for a deeper walk with God. We’re able to “picture” what kind of experience we want and hope for during the day ahead. Morning prayer helps us set the tone for the entire day. Evening prayer allows us to express thanks, review the day, to look for the surprises God has left us to teach, instruct and lead us to His Holy Presence.

  The apostles as disciples in the gospels were not really known for their clarity of thought and the richness of their vision. They didn’t get it most of the time. They seldom had ears to hear what the Spirit was saying to them. But the resurrection and Pentecost changed all that. Now they taught with authority. The pieces had all come together. And the early Christians couldn’t get enough of what they had to share. They were people of the Word — unabashedly and without apology.

  And they were also people of Community. They hung out together, which no doubt was a source of strength, courage and support. They ate in each other’s homes. They sold their possessions and shared with each other. How strong is that! They knew that to find their way in the world, they needed support from the community. So they ate together, prayed together, studied together, and no doubt began to observe the sacraments together.

  When I decided on a title for my blog, this question from the Shorter Catechism, the thoughts from John Calvin, and my experience within the church influenced my selection, “The Ordinary Means of Grace.” We often want to see God do those things which are miraculous, wonderful and amazing to prove that God exists and God cares about me. I have been privileged to witness some of these amazing works of God which are often called the “extraordinary means of grace.” As amazing and awe inspiring these experiences maybe, I more frequently experience God’s grace and presence in the ordinary, common moments of life. I experience God’s presence in the midst of regular worship, hearing and reading scripture, receiving and witnessing the sacraments, prayer offered personally, corporately and in silence, and in communion with God’s people, both inside and outside the church.

  Christians throughout history have discovered that spiritual disciplines and practices open to us the ordinary means of grace. These practices help to develop our hearts, minds and soul to reveal to us where God can be found in the common, ordinary moments in our lives. God more often than not surprises me during the common experiences of singing an old hymn of the church, sharing the bread and cup to another, the unexpected hug from a child after worship, teaching and studying scripture, singing the doxology, offering prayers of intercession, sitting quietly to hear God speak to me, seeing someone grow in the faith and countless of other encounters with God through His people.

  In the ordinary means of grace, God surprises us in the midst of the wonders of the ordinary, common moments of life.

Today’s Lectionary Readings
Morning Psalm: 37
Evening Psalm: 117
Jeremiah 31:27-34
Romans 11:25-36
John 11:28-44 or John 12:37-50