Gracious

“Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me; O Lord, be my helper.”  Psalm 30:10

Gracious – Back to Exodus.  God’s self-definition uses a form of this same word, but the word in Exodus 34:6 is never applied to anyone but God.  “I am the Lord, compassionate and gracious”.  David would never be so bold as to use a word reserved for God Himself so he chooses hanan, from the same root.  David’s word reaches back into God’s history with Israel but David widens the avenue of favor.  Hanan is a word that can be used to describe the merciful acts of men and of God.  David knows this fundamental truth:  God’s favor can show up through my hands.  I can be the agent of God’s graciousness.

The desperate child of God does not always need a divine intervention.  Another human being will do.  In fact, that seems to be God’s preferred method.  To use my hands and my feet, my mind and my gifts, to become the grace of God for someone else.  And how can this be?  David knows that behind every act of kindness is the Father of grace.  Just as the plea is a two-way commitment, so the answer opens a two-way response.  God uses me to meet the needs of someone else because God loves community.  Nothing pleases Him more than the obedient response of one of His own in the service of another.  It is the way of Jesus, the image of the Father.

You might consider this possibility.  A direct miracle is the last resort.  A miracle is that final option when God finds no one else to do the job.  God would prefer to use us, the Body at work.  Only when we fail or are finally unable does God decide to act alone.  His intention always involves His children if possible.

Ahh, so you are a walking miracle maker!  When a brother or sister calls, Shama O Yahweh (Hear O Lord), God involves you.  You are the hanan answer.  If you’re listening.  And that’s the secret, isn’t it?  You cannot be God’s gracious favor for another unless you’re listening to the Great Grace Giver.  So, listen up!  God is calling.  You have opportunity after opportunity to be involved in what God is doing.

What miracle opportunity will you hear Him give you today?