Tuesday, 27 June 2017

God's Sufficient Grace

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Psalm 109:21 "But You, Adonai my Lord, deal with me for Your Name's sake. Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me." (TLV)

The verse starts with the coupling of the YHVH (known as the tetragrammaton (4 letter ineffable name of God) and Adonai, which is the substitute name usually used in place of the YHVH name. We then invite God to "make with me" on account of "Your (His) name".

The verse never says what we want God to make or do with us. There is an implied understanding that God is so powerful, that He will just know what to "do" with the invitation to "do with us".

Following the etnakhta (in this case, where the sentence ends) is a simple phrase in Hebrew meaning, "For Your grace is good." This is followed by one word meaning "rescue me". This is now open to some interpretation. Remember, this is true of all poetry. Here are some options:

• Your grace is good, (therefore) rescue me.
• Your grace is good (so that you can) rescue me.
• Your grace is good (and sufficient enough to) rescue me.
• Your grace is good (and that goodness is proven when You) rescue me.

Paul writes near the end of both letters to the Corinthians that he has been challenged by what he calls a "thorn in the flesh". He then makes a confession in agreement with our verse. (Paul knew the Psalms) Therefore, Paul quotes Yeshua's answer to his (Paul's) prayer for deliverance (rescue), "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9a)

Is that true for you and me? How do we show that God's grace is sufficient for us?