There are those who know they have done terrible things in their lives – things that have caused horrible harm to others, including those they love the most. And sometimes they may try to justify their actions, and so absolve themselves of blame. But just as Macbeth found himself unable to wash away his guilt after murdering Banquo, so too do they – and are therefore left to forever carry the dreadful burden of it themselves.
And so, when a God of love is mentioned they feel wretched and excluded – sensing that their great sin makes them unworthy of His love.
And understandably so, because our sin does indeed make us all unworthy before a Holy God.
The truth is that none of us are without fault. And though our misdemeanours may be considered understandable and acceptable to some, they remain contrary to the standards of a patient but no less perfectly Holy God, and are subject to His righteous and, therefore, wholly appropriate anger.
So then, what hope do we have?
Well, simply and wonderfully, this – the same good news of the Gospel that was once heralded by the angels that gathered over the fields near Bethlehem. For the message that was brought first to the shepherds, now brings hope to us all – no matter how dreadful the things we may have done in the past.
So let’s hear again what they said:
‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.’ [Luke 2:10-11]
Jesus, the baby born in Bethlehem, was therefore a Saviour. One who had come to rescue those in peril.
From what?
Well from the judgment of God that should rightfully fall on us.
And just as it’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick, so too had Jesus come, not for the good, but the bad. [Luke 5:31-32] Furthermore, given the news that the angels brought was for ALL people – there was nobody to whom their announcement did not apply.
And that’s still true today.
Because whilst the consequences of our sins may remain – and so, whenever possible, we are still required to do what we can to put things right – it remains the case that no matter how wicked you or I may be, and however heinous our sinful acts might have been, God’s grace extends to all who will receive it.
Because God loves us despite our sin. And Jesus did indeed come, sent by His Father, not for the righteous, but for sinners like you and me. To both save us and call us to repentance. [Luke 5:32]
So then, let’s hear that gracious call ourselves. Let’s cease our vain attempts to justify ourselves and instead confess our wrongdoing, acknowledge our guilt, and express our eagerness to change. And knowing how, on the cross, He bore the punishment we deserved, let’s repent of our sin, turn in faith to Christ, and gladly seek to follow Him for the rest of our lives.
For such are the people of God.
Let’s stand with them – wonderfully forgiven – and all because Jesus’ blood has washed us white as snow. [Isaiah 1:18]
To read Day 22 from 2023, click here
To read Day 22 from 2024, click here
Some musings 