The Upgrade
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
I received one just the other day. It came in the mail with a dozen other pieces of unsolicited information. It was an ad for an upgrade. It seems that the software that I purchased less than a year ago for my computer is no longer current.
Highly skilled experts have been working to improve their product and what they have come up with makes my current software . . . . uncool. OK, at least out of date.
I just bought it! How can it be a dinosaur already? But the propaganda assures me that if I don’t buy this new version I will be woefully behind the high tech curve.
It’s called an Upgrade.
But there is a problem with upgrades, be it an iPhone, iPad, operating system, version of iTunes or whatever–they never end. The software I currently have is the 8.0 version. The new is 9.0. Do you see a pattern developing here? Think about all those poor slobs who bought 1.0. If they haven’t upgraded 8 times, they’re really out of it.
Anyway, that’s the problem with upgrades. There’s always another coming down the pike. They’re set up to make you want more. Upgrades are to software and gadgets what sequels are to movies: they’re designed to leave you waiting for the next one to come out.
That is not true, however, when it comes to God. He is the God of the ultimate upgrade, but with God you need to upgrade only once.
In this verse, John tells us about the upgrade that God provided through Jesus Christ. He compares the ministry and message of Moses to the ministry and message of Jesus. Both were from God, but the former was initial while the latter was ultimate. One was incomplete, one complete. One preliminary, the other final. One asked a question, the other answered it.
Moses’ gave us the Law, and for that we are grateful. Through the Law we learned about our sin, God’s holiness and the gap between the two. But the Mosaic Law provided no ultimate solution. Thus, we needed an upgrade.
Enter Jesus. In Jesus, God moved from emphasizing our need to providing our solution.
John nails it down with his words: Grace and truth came through Jesus. John’s contrast could not be more dramatic. Under Moses we knew the Law—rules, regulations, and unattainable measuring rods. Under Jesus we know grace and truth. Which do you prefer?
God has given us, free of charge, the ultimate upgrade of grace and truth. Grace is the provision of God’s unlimited forgiveness and healing at the expense of Jesus Christ. Truth is the light of God in our lives, showing us real purpose and meaning. Both grace and truth are available to all who love Jesus Christ.
No other upgrade is needed. Once you know the favor of God, it’s impossible to improve upon it. Love Jesus. Shirk off the tyranny of the law of sin. Receive the upgrade of grace in your life today and never look back.
If you already know Jesus, then stop looking for joy anywhere else. No other upgrades exist. He is all you need.
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