In the depths of human struggle, a profound truth resonates: the consequence of sin is mortality, yet the boundless generosity of God offers eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord. This paradox struck me as I stood before a gathering of men at a skid row mission, their lives a testament to the ravages of sin. Yet, in the eyes of God, their plight was no different from that of the affluent and powerful, for all humanity falls short of divine glory, and the wages of sin are uniformly fatal.
As I sought to convey the unfathomable love of God and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, I employed a simple yet poignant illustration. I held out a $10 bill, proclaiming that the first to claim it would receive it as a free gift. The room fell silent, with not a single hand reaching out to accept the offer. It was as if they doubted the sincerity of the gift. Finally, a hesitant figure emerged, his eyes questioning, and I reassured him, “Yes, come and take it; it’s yours.” He seized the bill with gratitude, leaving the rest of the assembly to ponder their own hesitation.
This moment of hesitation served as a powerful allegory for humanity’s relationship with God. We often fail to grasp the unconditional nature of His love, mistakenly believing it is earned through our actions or worthiness. But God’s love is not predicated on who we are, but on who He is. He demonstrated this love by sacrificing His only Son on the cross, offering eternal life to all who would receive Him.
Today, I am reminded to trust in the Lord’s power to make His gift of eternal life irresistible to all who hear it. Will you join me in embracing this extraordinary gift, and sharing it with a world that desperately needs it?
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