Bill was struggling. As the group of jail inmates I
was teaching considered the goal of “Victory” in our study, I told them in
Christ they were all victors and should embrace that attitude. Bill said he felt
more like a victim. He knew the story that God sent his Son on a suicide
mission to earth to save us from sin, but he was having real trouble in
comprehending how that worked. I praised Bill for his diligent searching and encouraged
him to persevere. His searching will lead to success and understanding that
will change his life. Living as a victor is much more fun!
Thinking about it, perhaps the hardest part is to
believe the God of the universe would send his Son on a suicide mission for me
personally. In Romans, Paul introduces a
God of grace. Where sin increases, God’s Grace increases all the more so that
grace might reign supreme.
It all fits together. Adam’s sin brought death and separated
us from God. But God’s anger at sin was exceed by his love for man. In Leviticus
17:11, God established the principle that blood is required for atonement
(forgiveness) of sin. For God to give us the grace of forgiveness required the
shedding of perfectly innocent life on earth. His sucide mission, completed on
the cross, gave atonement for us.
Prayer: Thank you Jesus, God of grace, for
completing your mission for me!
© 2016 Parker Wayland
1 comment:
This is a heartwarming story of a prisoner learning of God's love,grace and forgiveness; yes, and of sacrifice by God in giving His one and only Son in a blood atonement so that we could live and be forgiven. God be praised! I love your writing, Parker. It touches my heart and sensibilities. Thank you, Parker. Keep up the good job of writing devotionals.
Evelyn
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