So then, the law was introduced into God’s plan to bring the reality of human sinfulness out of hiding. And yet, wherever sin increased, there was more than enough of God’s grace to triumph all the more! Romans 5:20
Dr. Kevin Leman tells a story about a party they had at their house for a grandchild. Before the party began, he got all the kids to stand by the front porch. He and his wife welcomed all their guests and told them about all the wonderful things that were waiting for them in the backyard. But just before he left the kids filled with anticipation go, he told them they could enjoy all these things, but not to spit in the flowerbed. He even repeated it twice, then he sent them off to enjoy the party.
In the front window he had a hidden camera set up. After the party was over, they watched the video and it proved how strong our rebellious nature truly is. Every kid spit in the flower garden at least once and a few twice! Why would kids, who could care less about flowers make a point to leave a kids party to spit in the flower beds? Because the suggestion was put in their minds. They never would have even seen the flower beds, until their attention was brought to them and then did what they were told not to do! And it doesn’t happen to just kids, it happens to all of us, it’s what I like to call the Opposite Effect Syndrome.
It’s just like what is happening to so many right now. We’re all being told what we shouldn’t do; like congregate with more than 10 people, keep an unsafe distance between us, not go out more than we have to, only buy two of something, etc. Now, in reality most of us have said we would love to have a week or two and just be able to stay at home and be with our families. Now, that we are, we’re looking for ways to get out. Most people communicated through their phones with texting or e-mails, now we long to be able to meet for coffee with someone. Many didn’t have time on a Sunday morning to go to church, but there have been more people watching live stream worship than ever before. Although this is a difficult time, take advantage of all the things you’re being reminded of to be grateful for. And once this is all over continue to remember the things you learned and have become more important than ever.
Today’s Scripture reminds us that we all have this bent to do what we know is wrong, the enemy is constantly deceiving us into sin. And usually the deception keeps us from seeing the destruction ahead. All of us sin, even those who follow Jesus (Rom. 3:23), but the good news is in the second part of this verse that reminds us that wherever there is sin, there is even more grace! Just like the Law given by Moses keeps reminding people of their sin and feeling condemned, focusing on Jesus who died to forgive us of our sin and His great love for us. Focusing on Jesus and the abundant life that we can live through Him, soon sin loses it’s grip on us and we find ourselves to be truly free and we want to follow Him!
If you would like to experience the freedom that is found in a relationship with Jesus, then pray this prayer, Jesus, thank you for dying for me on the cross so I can be set free from the sin that keeps controlling me. Today I ask you to become my Lord and Savior and receive Your forgiveness, mercy and grace. I believe You are the Son of God and You rose from the dead to give me eternal life and become a member of Your family. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!s
Leave a Reply