25 nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place year by year with blood not his own; 26 else must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once at the end of the ages hath he been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Heb 9:25-26 (ASV)

The motorcycle policeman was standing on the side of the road with his laser gun at his side directing me to pull into the side street just past him. He had obviously already established my guilt for something and I would soon find out what that was. I had honestly completely missed the flashing school zone sign as I had been focused on merging traffic, and he let me know I had reached a speed that would require a significant fine as punishment. He graciously gave me a warning for this violation, but did site me for failure to maintain insurance (was a little slow in finding my card). I would just have to go to meet the judge to prove I actually did have coverage at the time of the incident. He actually made it so I eventually would have no mark on my record and no fine to pay-most grateful.

So, a few weeks later I did get to appear in court, though, taking my seat in the very back of the room as several other people went before me to converse with the judge. Many of them were much less fortunate than I was, having to pay hundreds of dollars for multiple violations. For each infraction there was a significant fine and it seemed that the list just kept going on and on. I found myself wondering how they would ever really be able to pay. There were different means by which the punishment could be met as some would make payments, others community service, and some even would spend time in jail. However it was dealt with, each violation would require a specific payment of penalty.

My little experience in traffic court is but a representation of how our lives are geared with respect to transgressions and their penalty payment. Separate and unique reparations are necessary for each and every failure. With friends, family, school, job, etc., there is a sense of expectancy that something must be done in each case to make amends, to make things right.

Our reality with Christ, then, is somewhat difficult to adjust to, because in Him all transgressions were paid for on the cross. While we may continue to feel like we must at least feel bad enough as punishment for each failure, there is nothing left to be done to take care of our guilt. God doesn’t hold our sin against us in the least, because Jesus went before the judge in our stead, securing payment for anything we’ve done or are yet to do. There is no guilt that can rightfully be held against us for the smallest to the greatest of transgressions. While our own soul may feel the Intense need for unique justification (freedom from the guilt), for each and every thing we may do wrong, just being in Christ is our complete and total liberation from any guilt, at least with regard to God the Father. Other than maintaining a position of honor and worship before Him, there is nothing that can ever separate us from the love and favor that is God’s established attitude towards us. Our simple confession activates the power of Christ’s only trip before the judge on our behalf, and we are able to maintain a continual position of righteousness before the Father. With nothing left to do with regard to our holiness, we can joyfully take our place in the kingdom to further establish and proclaim the reality of an available life free from any further penalty payment.

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Exodus 33:16-17 KJV(16) For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.(17) And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.

There is this incredible favor just waiting and wanting to be given from a mother who loves and cares for her child. While her love may compel her to continue in acts of love, the greatest values she has to bestow are gained not when circumstances demand attention be given to her, but when there is an active search made for the things that will please her. What is found by this selfless search is an empowering favor that will not be affected by any of the otherwise dominating circumstances of life. Just knowing the touch of a mother may be a thing of significance, but being touched by her overflow of grace and favor is something that will transform and redirect a life that’s in need of positive change. This flow from her very heart can in fact be much more valuable than any other earthly thing that can be experienced or possessed. From her grace there is an ability gained to be confident and self assured in advancing to a fulfilled purpose.

While there is such incredible value to be gained from the finding of a mother’s grace, there is oftentimes still less than a majority of children that will be grateful and appreciative enough for the treasure in her to seek it out and really dig for it. Other diversions and distractions in friends, trends and familiarity can dim the vision for the value in her and disable any attempts to be found in her grace’s possession.

The benefit that far outweighs all the rest in this discovery of a mother’s grace is the ability to just be with her and communicate to her in a loving atmosphere. There is really nothing better than this, and if there is incredible truth in this relationship with a mother, so is there a correlation to the much greater and more powerful discovery of God’s favor. While it is ever resident within a God who is full of mercy, only those who desire and insist on knowing Him will take the time and effort to leave other pursuits for the discovery of His wonderful and amazing grace. Today there is an opportunity to be found in that precious place that is ours at His side.