Day 289: Romans 5-8

The whole idea that God would die for me becomes more mind blowing the older I get. I mean, I've read stories about people whose lives were sacrificed for the welfare of another. And, indeed, I believe that I would be willing to put my own life in jeopardy for the ones I love...my wife, kids and grandkids...maybe even some very dear friends. I say I believe I would, but I really can't know for sure until the circumstance presents itself...and odds are it never will.

But all this pales in comparison because God didn't die for His friends. He died for His enemies. He died for people who are selfish, arrogant, and rebellious. He died for Pilate. He died for Judas. He died for Osama bin Laden. He died for Larry Flint. He died for Muhammad. He died for Hitler. He died for Nancy Pelosi. He died for Lady Gaga. He died for Kim Jong Il. He died for me.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-7)

I don't know how Christians have gotten the reputation of thinking they're better than everyone else. Well, really, I suppose I do because I've seen and heard Christians who give that impression. But the fact is, we're not. Yes, we denounce sin. But when we do, we're denouncing it in ourselves. We come to Christ because we recognize our sinfulness, not our righteousness. 

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. (Romans 7:18-19)

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:24)