A few grapes will show that the plant is a vine, and not a thorn. It is one thing to be deficient in grace, and another thing to lack grace altogether. God knows we have nothing of ourselves, therefore in the covenant of grace he requires no more than he gives, but gives what he requires, and accepts what he gives: 'If she be not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtle doves' (Lev. 12:8). What is the gospel itself but a merciful moderation, in which Christ's obedience is esteemed ours, and our sins laid upon him, wherein God, from being a judge, becomes our Father, pardoning our sins and accepting our obedience, though feeble and blemished? We are now brought to heaven under the covenant of grace by a way of love and mercy.
-- p. 36, The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes
O indeed He provides all things we need, and all things He demands of us.
Thanks be to God our Father, the only true God, the Almighty, the Provider, the Righteous One, the Redeemer, for His mercy, for His grace, for sending Jesus, His only Son, who gladly stooped down and gave us forgiveness and freedom even as we were nailing Him alive on the tree.
If you haven't yet, meet this God today!
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