FLAWLESS
Bernadette Keene
Today’s Scripture: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1, ESV
Theme: Faith in Jesus allows us to be justified and therefore at peace with God.
COVERED
Several months ago, I ordered a desk from Amazon. I was so excited when I got the notification stating my package had been delivered. I had this vision in my head about how nice everything would look once I got the desk put together and all my things placed just so, a picture of home office perfection. Anticipating ease of construction, I pulled the box into my living room with confidence, a pre-celebration of success. I carefully placed each part on the floor and gathered the matching hardware. With tool in hand, I read the directions and began to build. I was feeling good about my skills until I got to the last step, which required me to insert four plastic rods that would hold the small top shelf. The first three rods inserted with ease, but when I tried to insert the fourth one, it would not go down into the slot. I wrestled with it for a bit, and then took the part out for further inspection. I quickly discovered the problem – it had a flaw. It looked like when the rod was cut, they cut it diagonally, causing it to be longer than the others. There was no way it was going in! Luckily, it turned out okay. The shelf was stable with just three rods, and I was able to hide the flaw with a cute knickknack.
It is funny that God can use such a simple illustration to demonstrate His grace toward us. When He looks at His children, He no longer sees our flaws but sees the sacrifice of His Son. We do not have to strive to be perfect, and even if we do try, it will not be enough. It is our faith in Jesus--not a cute knickknack--that makes us flawless in the eyes of God.
Make It Personal: In this world of people-pleasing and feeling like we can never do enough, I am so thankful and at peace because I know that I don’t have to be perfect for God to love me. All I must do is receive His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus.
Pray: Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son. Thank You for the peace I feel in my heart knowing that You love me and see me as flawless because of His sacrifice. Give me the strength I need to walk in that love and share it with others that cross my path each day. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
Read: Romans 5:1-11
Weekly Memory Verse: “But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.” Romans 2:29, ESV