Grace Will Surprise You

When Grace Rewrites the Order

Tax Collectors and Sinners are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of the religious elite - only in God’s order (Luke 18:9-14; Matthew 21:31-32). We are into human preference, 9-5 order, outward impressiveness, or polished résumés. But Scripture shows us that God does not always choose whom we would choose (Matthew 20:1-16). Grace is about God’s purpose, not our preferences (Ephesians 1:9, 11).

Joseph looks like the obvious choice, yet Judah becomes the bloodline of Christ (Genesis 49:8–10; Matthew 1:1–3). Joseph has the cleaner story, the stronger moral example, and the greater public triumph. But grace does not always follow the most obvious résumé.

Rachel was Jacob’s great love, yet when his life was ending, he asked to be buried beside Leah (Genesis 49:29–31). Leah, the overlooked wife, the less-desired woman, is the one remembered at the family burial place. Grace surprises us again.

And when Samuel went to Jesse’s house, he naturally looked at the older, stronger, more impressive brothers. But God chose David, the overlooked shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:6–13). Why? Because “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1Samuel 16:7).

Paul confirms this same pattern in 1 Corinthians 1:26–31. God chooses the foolish, the weak, the lowly, and the despised so that no one may boast before Him. Grace keeps rewriting the order. It humbles the strong, lifts the overlooked, and makes it plain that the glory belongs to God alone.

So if you have been overlooked, do not despair. And if you have been favored, do not boast. Grace is about God’s purpose, not our preferences. After all, it's God’s grace. He can make the last first and the first last.

Life is short. Live.
The rest of your life can still be the best of your life.

Grace,
Cedric