The three-fold benediction of God

“Grace, mercy and peace,” just three little words, but a definitive expression of God’s redemptive work for the sake of man (1 Tim.1:2). Grace describes the gift of the Father, mercy the work of the Son, and peace the presence of the Spirit. It’s a benediction. For us in the western world, they probably sound like favorite words to use on Sunday, but in the days of Christ and in a culture quite distinct from ours, they are spiritual gifts to be given. When Paul wrote this benediction, he was certain that genuine grace, mercy and peace would descend on Timothy. The apostle seems so anxious to give his colleague a blessing that, rather than wait until the close of the letter, where such a benediction was normally found, he put it in the very first sentence.
         We have encountered each of these biblical words so many times: when the church gathers to worship, in our daily devotional reading, and elsewhere. But let’s linger just a bit on each one. “Grace” has never been defined more accurately than in the well-known expression, “unmerited favor.” True, we haven’t merited anything. A line in the old hymn, “Rock of Ages” says it all – “Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” That redemptive journey took Jesus, literally, “from heaven to hell,” then in triumph back to heaven.  It was the ultimate “gracious” act.
         “Mercy” – now there is something each of us needs. To use a simple metaphor, we were caught with our hand in the cookie bowl and God has a severe penalty for stealing. Adam probably thought he could get by with it, but he learned almost immediately that God was dead serious about sin. He learned that his own way had some bad consequences so he decided to go back, if he could, to God’s way. What he didn’t know was that God, in his mercy, had made it possible for disobedient “cookie stealers” to be forgiven. All that was necessary for Adam was to humble himself by acknowledging his miserable estate and return. He made that decision and, arriving home, found his father waiting with open arms. God is ready to receive all of us who have come to grips with the fact that “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through” and, repentant for our sins, have returned to where we belong. God’s mercy for repentant sinners is astounding.
         Then there is “peace,” and by that term scripture doesn’t intend you to envision a sort of passive quietness. Behind the English word peace is the Hebrew shalom that refers to a condition of genuine wellbeing. The believer is at peace when he is aware of the deep sense of satisfaction that is his as his thoughts rise to the throne of God. It’s a “Nothing between my soul and my Savior” awareness that makes everything so beautiful. The heart is at peace, content with all that matters.
         So, read once again Paul’s words of benediction for Timothy, his “true son.” Find a quiet place and absorb the spiritual blessings . . . of grace . . . of mercy . . . and, to complete the divine trilogy . . . of peace.