In any good treasure hunting movie
we learn that “X” marks the spot. Our
“X” is for Xaris, the Greek word for Grace.
It is pronounced with a “CH” sound as in Christian. Our English letter “x” comes from this
letter, but it did not keep the sound.
What we do like the sound of, however, is the sound of grace as in John
Newton’s hymn, “Amazing Grace, How Sweet the Sound”.
Xaris is on the list of frequently
used words in the New Testament. It is
used 153 times. It is the mother word for Xara which is used 59 times, Xairo
which is used 74 times, Xarisma which is used 17 times, euXaristos which is
used 55 times and Xaristao which is used only twice. All forms of this word are used more than 300 times in
the New Testament. That means that it is
a pretty “x”citing word to learn. Grace
is indeed “x”citing. Just the thought of
God’s amazing grace should get us up and singing a rousing chorus of praise.
Xaris is also an “x”ceedingly
important word. Without it there is no joy
(Xara), no thanksgiving (euXaristos), no rejoicing (Xairo) not to
mention none of God’s wonderful gifts (Xarisma). What would the Christian do without these
“x”ceedingly important parts of God’s wonderful grace? These beautiful words are also translated as
favor, gladness, accepted, thanks and variations of these words. All that is part of God’s “x”ceedingly
wonderful and “x”citing grace. When we
think of grace we need to grasp the whole of what it means. It means everything that we find necessary
for a positive outlook on life. It means
everything that makes us really pleasing to those around us. It means everything required for personal
peace. All of this is wrapped up in one
little word “grace”.
It is no wonder that so many songs
are written about grace. Philip
Doddridge wrote a hymn that is little used anymore. It is titled “Grace! ‘Tis a Charming Sound”. The first stanza reads, “Grace! ‘Tis a
charming sound, harmonious to the ear; heaven with the echo shall resound, and
all the earth shall hear.” The fifth
stanza concludes with a plea to make God’s “x”citing grace an integral part of
our life. “O let Thy grace inspire, my
soul with strength divine; may all my powers to Thee aspire, and all my days be
Thine.” That is truly a proper attitude
toward God’s “x”ceedingly wonderful grace.
The Friday Benediction
Until Monday, my friends, may the
good God envelop you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of
faith, “I believe in the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the
saints”, and may you be enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that
confession this weekend. Amen
You
may also enjoy this inspirational devotional book, The Gospel According to Molly,
available
here:
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