Romans 3:21-24
But now God has shown us a different
way to heaven — not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws,
but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about
it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us —declare us
“not guilty”— if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all
can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we
are or what we have been like. Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of
God’s glorious ideal; yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending
him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away
our sins.
The Living Bible
copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of
Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights
reserved.
Timothy is often a serious child…and when
things don’t go well, he will sometimes ask, “Are you disappointed in
me?” And more than once, he has told me, “Aunt Debbie, I’m so
disappointed in you” – usually when I tell him “No” about something!
I’m
afraid that God is often “so disappointed” in me…like every day at one
point or another. And I’ll let you in on a little secret…He’s
disappointed in you, too! Feeling a little “disappointed” now? I know I
am…along with embarrassed, frustrated - and a healthy dose of “why
can’t I get it right?”!
Hear the words of Romans 3:23…”all have
sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal.” Now hear the GREATER
news that follows…”yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him
if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our
sins.” So while we disappoint God often, He still loves us and forgives
us. We must strive to get it right…to do better…to please Him. We
should want to do this! But the times that we fall short…God is still
there.
When children disappoint us or misbehave, we may detach
from them for a few minutes. There may be a “time out” involved in
which we do not communicate. Or if the child is angry or upset with us,
he/she may walk away and ignore us momentarily. But this is usually
short lived. And while we may feel like God has left us for a while,
the truth is that He never leaves us. He may let us simmer in our
misgivings for a bit, but He is right there whenever we are ready to
make things right and try again.
So today as you go about your
routine, remind yourself often that God is with you…that He loves you
more than you can ever imagine – much less deserve. Remember that the
only thing you could ever do to disappoint God irreparably is to deny
Him completely…and even then, He would fight tooth and nail to remain in
your life! Doesn’t that kind of love make you want to do all you can
to please Him? Will this be the day that you begin?
©2015 Debbie Robus
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