In 1970 Tootsie Roll Industries came up with the classic commercial “How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop.” You too probably remember the ad where the wise old owl when ask that question only made it to 3, but with a more disciplined audience the answer ended up being 144-252, it varied person to person. That ad came to mind this morning when I read John 1:16 – And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
I know… strange how my mind works isn’t it?
But I began to wonder when examining that verse a little closer, about what it is that we have all received. I can’t even fathom what “His fullness” looks like; meaning everything that makes up Who Jesus is. Even though we are “made in his likeness” and it is He who dwells within the heart of a believer, Jesus is everything to everyone. I can’t even be who I need to be for any one person. I’ll let you down, quickly. Jesus will not fail you ever. And an even harder concept for me to grasp is “grace for grace”, which means we have received grace, heaped upon grace, piles of it… the fullness of Christ, which is immeasurable.
That thought brought great gratitude to my heart this morning because I need heaps of grace. But when doling out grace, I fear I’d be like Mr. Owl. How many licks does it take to get on my last nerve? Three. And then you’re out. But oh, when I need grace, I’m begging for the endless supply. That is why I don’t understand the concept of John 1:16. You can’t get what you don’t give – heaps of grace. This is a valuable lesson that I’d like to learn and I only know one way to learn it… taking the hard licks in life a little more gracefully.
I wonder if I could see the grace I’ve received stacked up against the grace I’ve been given, what would it look like. Shameful for certain. Christ is set before us as the example and I am without excuse. Lord, I pray that I’ll be quick to give that which I’ve received today. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 – But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.