I once heard arrogance defined as being unaware of our need for forgiveness. It’s true. There is no man or woman living, present or past, who has never done anything wrong, said an unkind word, or had an impure thought. We are all flawed. Being aware of this is the first step of enlightenment. That’s why I love the raw honesty in this verse:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am the worst.”
1 Timothy 1:15
Jesus has always been the life transformer. He changes everything, turning our guilt and shame into freedom and love. We see it over and over in the life of Jesus, especially when he dealt with Peter. Peter’s continual mistakes never separated him from Jesus. Every time Peter admitted his errors and asked for forgiveness, he was embraced and trusted with more. That’s the way it works.
Long before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah wrote this beautiful and powerful description of the way our lives would be transformed by Jesus:
“You will go out with joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and the hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands, instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper, and instead of the briers the myrtle will grow.”
Isaiah 55: 12-13
The power of Jesus’ love is the greatest force on earth. Thorns become pines. Death becomes life. Failure becomes strength. But it all starts with the humility to acknowledge our need for His presence, forgiveness, and help. Together, let’s take a knee.
May Blessings,
Pastor John