Wide Grace

In Sunday school this morning, a phrase that Anita read really caught my ear, and I have never thought of it conjunction with the book of Genesis:

There is a wideness to God's grace.
Have you ever thought of that as it relates to the end of Genesis (chapters 48-50)?

• Jacob blesses his grandchildren in a way which was not expected -- he gives the bigger blessing, usually reserved for the older son, to the younger son. God doens't always do what is expected, and he doesn't always choose the person we would plan for him to choose. Isn't there grace in the idea that God isn't led by our expectations?
• Jacob blesses Joseph's sons, who are also sons of an Egyptian wife. God's grace was wide, including these grandchildren.
• After Jacob's death his burial, the sons come to their brother, asking for forgiveness. I like his response -- God has taken the evil done to me and turned it into good. Is that not grace? Doesn't that sound like something God would do? In fact, I think this is one of major themes of Genesis.

There is a wideness to God's grace -- it extends past the lines of countries, past our expectations, and past the challenges in our lives.

Image: Leaf at the VA