Heather and her father, Kyle, were both doctors doing missionary work among AIDS patients in Zimbabwe. When Heather’s father became very ill she finally convinced him to get on a plane back to America for treatment. She went along to care for him on the trip and became very ill herself while on the plane. Soon she had to rush to the on board washroom where she began to vomit profusely, while her father remained in his seat with a 104.5 fever. From where she lay on the floor in the airplane washroom, Heather prayed to God for help. At some point she was found in the washroom and both her and her father were attended to by the 100 doctors who also happened to be on that plane!
With stories like that and many others, Max Lucado reveals to us God’s luxurious Grace in his new book, “Grace: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine”.
In a world where the meaning of Grace can be easily misunderstood or even twisted to the point of being unrecognizable, Lucado explains the difference between the human version of Grace, which usually involves strings attached or the idea of earning God’s favour, and God’s idea of real grace.
“Grace is simply another word for God’s tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave.” (page 99)
Lucado goes even farther back to explain why we need Grace in the first place. We, as humans, are riddled with sin which “is not a regrettable lapse or an occasional stumble. Sin stages a coup against God’s regime. Sin storms the castle, lays claim to God’s throne, and defies his authority.” (page 34)
In order to rid ourselves of our entrenched sin we often think we can win God’s favour, just as a boy scout wins his merit badges. But if we “[make] the assumption that God rates on the merit system” then “some thorny questions surfaced. If God saves good people, how good is ‘good’?” (page 46 – excerpts)
I became familiar with the writing of Max Lucado about 20 years ago when I first read his book, “God Came Near”. Through the years I have read 9 more of the more than 60 books Max has authored. I refer to him as “The Point Man” because he weaves together anecdotes, human interest, jokes, current events and Bible stories in an almost seamless way in order to meld emotion, common sense and theology into a sharp point. I was expecting more of the same with this book and was not disappointed.
Even though his writing skills have continued to grow I do have a few reservations about “Grace”. It seems to me that grace has three sides to it. All of them in perfect balance. Max discusses it’s cost and it’s results but there is little emphasis or practical advice on how to pass it on. As is the case with most things of God, we learn the most, get to the heart of the matter, and find their greatest power in the sharing of them. Max briefly discusses this in chapter 9 by encouraging us to be “generous” and “forgiving” and a “Billboard of God’s mercy” (page 166), but fails to delve into it much deeper or give practical advice on exactly how to live grace out on a daily basis.
He also discusses the “cost of grace” and the fact that grace was paid for by Jesus on the cross. Through an enhanced story of Barabbas, Max Lucado demonstrates that Jesus was sinless and died for each of us personally. But I wonder if a person can truly understand the massive cost of grace without identifying with our Heavenly Father who allowed his only Son to be murdered in order to purchase that grace for us? Max excels at showing different points of view, yet he misses out on helping us view things from God’s view. The view of a Parent, sacrificing one innocent, beloved Child for the sake of a rebellious, evil one.
As Max puts it,
“ ‘Cheap grace’ comes from misunderstanding the enormity of the sacrifice.” (page 169) AND
“The gift is the Giver.” (page 150) [emphasis mine]
I am also concerned with Lucado’s use of so many different translations of the Bible. He seems to use whatever version of the Bible best suits his immediate purpose. Whether it be NIV or The Message, he used whatever version best made his point. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be the first step down a slippery slope to slanting the Scriptures to mean what what we want, instead of us wanting to get to what they mean.
At the end of “GRACE: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine” the book is further enhanced by a “Reader’s Guide” written by Kate Etue. It reviews each chapter with sections entitled, “Scripture Review” (which gives further Bible verses on the topic), “Ask” (which poses probing questions), and “Call on God” (which aids in beginning a conversation with the Lord).
Kate Etue picks some very pertinent Bible verses and her sincere way of starting us in a personal prayer time is both insightful and eloquent. However, I feel slightly manipulated by some of the questions in the “Ask” sections. As if I am being routed into conclusions and assumptions that I am might not come to on my own.
For Example: The question is asked,
“How is spiritual rest a holy assignment?”
When perhaps it should be phrased,
“Do you think spiritual rest is a holy assignment? If so, how?”
Yet, who am I to question the opinions of Cal Thomas (USA Today columnist), Sheila Walsh (author, speaker and singer), Colt McCoy (NFL Quarterback), Mandisa (American Idol singer) and the other 18 people who spend the first 4 pages of this book singing it’s praises?
In conclusion, I must admit that I always enjoy a book by Max Lucado, including this one. He is honest, refreshing and very funny. His topics are both timely and necessary and I feel encouraged by what he has to say. I can most definitely recommend “GRACE: More Than We Deserve; Greater Than We Imagine” as a good read and a welcome addition to my home library (because I will want to read it again).
Or as Max says, “ I know we shouldn’t complain. But, honestly, when someone hands you a bar of hotel soap and says, ‘This is for you',’ don’t you detect a lack of originality? But when a person gives a genuine gift, don’t you cherish the presence of affection? The hand-knit sweater, the photo album from last summer, the personalized poem, the Lucado book. Such gifts convince you that someone planned, prepared, saved and searched. Last minute decision? No, this gift was just for you.” (page 149)
I suppose the same thing applies to God’s grace too. Let us rest in the presence of his affection.
I’m giving this book 8 out of 10 “Secret Christian Fishies".
For further information contact:
HERE'S A VIDEO FROM MAX LUCADO HIMSELF
** NOTE: Please feel free to leave a comment. I would like to know what you think of this book AND the Review. (Remember. You can leave a comment Anonymously)
