We All Fall Short

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”

(Romans 3:23-24)

Meditation

I admit and confess I am chief among sinners. The glory of God is a very high bar to achieve, and only one man who’s ever lived has lived a spotless life. If I were to be tried in a human court, I would be found guilty, and I would deserve whatever punishment they meted out. Fortunately for me, and I’m sure, for you too, I am not to be judged by humans. Also, providentially, that perfect man will advocate for my righteousness. The enemy will accuse me of my many sins before the Judge, but Christ will proclaim my innocence because I have been washed clean in the blood. I am eternally grateful for the hope I have in my heart. My salvation, my place in eternity, the joy in my heart, are the gift of God. They come to me for my submissive and repentant heart.

You may think you’re a pretty good person. You don’t even believe in other gods, so you couldn’t possibly worship them. You only use the Lord’s name in vain when the situation demands it. You go to church a couple of times a year, but you always rest on Sundays. You are or were a faithful child to your parents. You’ve never murdered anyone. You’ve never committed adultery. You’ve never stolen anything (big). You’ve never told a big lie (not one that hurt anyone). You’ve never given false testimony (except when you thought you had to). You don’t covet your friends stuff (except for the new house down the street). If and of those statements fit you, you’ve still fallen short. If you have ever told a single lie in your whole life, the punishment for that sin is death.

We are a fallen race. There isn’t one of us who is worthy to stand before God without the saving grace of Jesus Christ. He extends his grace without cost to us except for our repentance and baptism. He doesn’t require us to clean ourselves up and make ourselves acceptable before he’ll save us. He takes us just as we are. He takes a broken and wicked sinner and covers them with his righteousness. We can do nothing to deserve or earn his forgiveness, so we have nothing to boast about. Jesus wants you to be with him in heaven forever. Don’t wait another day, because tomorrow is promised to no one. He want to save you. All you have to do is humble yourself and ask.

Daily Prayer

Dear Lord, you are a glorious and forgiving Father and like a loving earthly father, you have given us the greatest of gifts. Thank you, Father, for the redeeming blood of Jesus. If it weren’t for his sacrifice, there would be no hope for any of us. You know how far we’ve fallen, and yet you still love us, and want us to repent and turn to you. No matter what we’ve done, you are always faithful to forgive us. We were wretched, poor, blind, and naked before we turned to you and we didn’t even realize it. We thought we were pretty good people; not as bad as some and not as good as others. But, Father, we know there is no comparison worth anything without comparing ourselves to the goodness of Christ Jesus. Please, help us to be as good as he was when he walked among us. Help us to show his love for everyone as he did. Father, we ask the Holy Spirit to help us correct any fault you find in us as we walk with you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!