May 17, 2015 – Smriti "Simmi" D. Isaac

“Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time— One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes! I’m passing this work on to you, my son Timothy. The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we’re in.”

1 Timothy 1:15 MSG – A verse of the day from the Bible presented in Eugene Peterson’s contemporary version called The Message. Accompanied by a personal reflection below.

I truly feel this way sometimes… the way Paul is describing himself in how he states he “could never have made it apart from sheer mercy.” Recognition of our need for God’s mercy and favor is a fundamental part of recognizing our need for God. If we ever think that we’re not too bad and can perhaps even go it alone, we are essentially stating our independence of God. But this is a God who wants to do it all or nothing at all. This isn’t a partnership, nay, it is a pure gift from a God who loves you and wants your love in return. If you like these terms, you really ought to check him out!