Grace, Golf and Jet Planes

Mathieu Boya was practicing his golf swing in a pasture adjacent to Benin Air Base in Africa. With one swing of a golf club, Boya set off an amazing string of events that destroyed his country's entire air force. Described as, "a glorious slice," the ball hit a bird, which then fell onto the windshield of a trainer jet as it was taxiing into position for takeoff. Losing control of the plane, the pilot plowed into four shiny Mirage jets, totally demolishing the entire air force of Benin. 

Boyo was immediately jailed for, "hooliganism," and his attorney informed him he had no chance of winning a trial. The country demanded Boya pay $40 million to replace the jets. Since he only makes $275 per year, it will take 145,000 years to pay off his debt. Good luck with that! (Source: Rick Cato, Parables, Etc.)

I'm not sure how the story ends, but we'd all agree there's not much hope for the poor guy. He's going to be in jail for the rest of his life, unless...some judge compassionately extends grace (undeserved favor). He's "done the crime, and he'll do the time". The same could be said for all of us. We've all violated God's law. It's called "sin". The penalty? "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Like Mathieu, we're condemned. We desperately need God's grace...and he offers it to all. "It is by grace you are saved through faith..." (Eph.2:8).

Years ago, Bono, lead singer for U2, in an interview with Michka Assaya, stated, "The thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between grace and karma...Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of  your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff...It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for grace." Amen to that!