16 For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For
God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the
world through him might be saved. –John 3:16, 17 (KJV)
Both of my parents were born and raised in
the mountains of eastern Kentucky and I have heard many colorful stories
from their respective childhoods. My father told me of a neighbor
who lived next door to my dad’s family. The man’s name was
Oliver and his lifestyle stood in stark contrast to my grandfather who
was a God fearing and upright person. According to my father,
Oliver was a raging alcoholic whose hard drinking was legendary in their
small community. Oliver would go on drinking binges where he would
stay drunk for days on end. My dad said he recalled going to the
house one day to visit one of Oliver’s sons and finding Oliver just
climbing out of a featherbed after an extended binge. Dad described
Oliver’s disheveled appearance as being complete with ragged overalls
and feathers clinging to his hair and beard. He was at least a
sight.
Oliver’s hard drinking ways continued for
many years resulting in the loss of his marriage and many family relationships.
However, toward the end of his life a light shined in Oliver’s heart
and he trusted Jesus Christ as Savior. Dad reported Oliver was
a changed man who never again drank and lived a clean and sober life.
Later on, as Oliver lay dying in a hospital bed, he sang praises to
God for His grace and mercy and he glorified Christ for the salvation
granted to a sinner like him.
I relate this story to demonstrate again
the incredible power of God’s grace. Jesus came to save sinners
just like Oliver, not condemn them. No one is out of God’s reach
or beyond hope. As a man such as Oliver could testify, the power
of Christ overcomes all sin.
I am deeply thankful for God’s grace in
Jesus Christ. I trust you are as well. Be encouraged, be
thankful, for Christ loves you, and will make all the difference in
your life.
God bless you today.
