20-20 Blog

Today’s Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8; 2 Chronicles 5; Psalm 99; Romans 3 (The Message)

Scripture Focus:

Romans 3:25–26; 27–28 God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public—to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured. This is not only clear, but it’s now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.

What we’ve learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade.

Observation:

Jesus’ sacrifice—his death on the cross—clears us of blame before God. That’s good news! But it doesn’t stop there. “He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.” We do this by letting God lead us rather than deciding ourselves what God would like. When we follow God’s leading, we’ll be in harmony with God AND with other people.

Application:

This sounds like a Utopian world! A place where I am totally in step with God and with others, in harmonious communion with God and others. That is a place I long to be. Jesus makes that possible, but how do I walk in that every day?

Perhaps I should start by thanking God first thing in the morning for letting me into his inner circle, his family, his community. Then I could acknowledge God’s leadership and ask him what he’s up to today and how I can become a part of his great work for this very day!

Prayer:

Father God, I’m listening to your Spirit, wanting to follow your leading at any given moment, whether in small or great things.

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