As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Israel. The afternoon we visited Golgotha (also known as Calvary) was emotional for me. We’ve all heard the story many times. Jesus had been arrested, tried, and forced to carry His cross on the way to Golgotha. He was brutally nailed to a cross. In that time in history, crucifixion was described as a shameful and extremely painful form of execution. Those crucified could hang for days in agony before giving in to death. I recall looking up on the hill above and trying to picture what it was like for Jesus, for the two thieves, for the Roman soldiers and for Jesus’ mother Mary and other close friends and family. Of all the hard things this life may bring to us – this type of event seemed unparalleled.
Although it may be somewhat uncomfortable, please take a moment to consider all the ways in which we have sinned. If we are honest, the list will be quite long. That list can leave us feeling unworthy or less than. Many times we spend time comparing ourselves to others we know, or even others we don’t know, but for some reason are holding in high regard. It can be easy to believe that we don’t measure up. It could leave us to wonder if we are, or ever will be good enough?
Perhaps we have even done something unthinkable. Something that our fellow man would likely never forgive us for. To this point we may have wasted our life. Made poor choices. Given up on life ever being different. Perhaps we have decided that God could never love someone like us. It can be a common way to think. We often try to resolve our lack of worth in a wide variety of ways. Some methods may help for a short time, but nothing will relieve our sense of doubt forever. There is one way, however…
Let me introduce you to – amazing grace!
God’s grace is UNCONDITIONAL and it’s NOT TOO LATE!
In Max Lucado’s book, “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine“, he writes:
“When grace happens we receive not a nice compliment from God but a new heart. Give your heart to God and He returns the favor.”
If you don’t know how it is you get that new heart, it’s simple. The day you call his name, He will make you clean. Clean – without any blemishes or imperfections – PERFECT in God’s sight. When we believe and seek His forgiveness, the sentence is NOT GUILTY.
My fate was in the nail scarred hands
He stretched them out for me
And said
I know you, I love you
I gave My life to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict not guilty*
One of the two thieves next to Jesus on the cross believed his life was so horrible he was getting what he deserved. Yet, he asked Jesus for a favor, to have mercy on him despite the worthless life he had lived. Despite the incredible pain Jesus himself was in, he said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise“, (Luke 23:43). Think about what that meant for the thief, but as importantly what that means for each one of us! He promised the thief and each one of us what we do not deserve. No matter what…
No matter who we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done, no matter where we are… the cross is enough.
*The words above are from a very powerful song by Mandisa, Not Guilty. I encourage to listen to it and truly believe, this unconditional, amazing grace can be yours. Here is the You Tube link:
I think in this day and age, we forget or don’t quite understand why we compare ourselves to the next person. We try to keep up with the our neighbor when we should just be living through God’s grace and love. He will provide for us. If we can turn to him more and remember our sins are forgiven, our worries would be less stressful on a daily basis.
Thank you for this read tonight.
Your simple, yet powerful thought truly sums it all up… IF we can turn to him more and remember our sins are forgiven…! You got it!