Read:
Romans 6:23

YOU DESERVE A BREAK TODAY at McDonald’s.

Many of you will remember this jingle, while others may need to ask your phone. 

What is it that we actually deserve? OR…what are my rights?

…to be happy?

…to have a nice home and car?

…to have a healthy family or pain-free life?

…to have the freedom to do what I want, when I want?

…to wear a mask or not wear a mask?

…to receive justice?

When looking up the term justice; I found this explanation: Justice is the legal or philosophical theory by which fairness is administered. Fairness in protection of rights and punishment of wrongs. 

I like the “protection of rights” bit; but the “punishment of wrongs” not so much. Especially when I consider that every thought, word or action that is in opposition to God is sin or adds to my “wrongs” tally. Romans 6:23a says “For the wages [earnings] of sin is death [separation from God]…” So, based on the math, what I deserve is death. Thankfully, this isn’t the end of the equation. The remainder of the verse says “…but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by his wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:24) What was just or fair about that? Jesus took the punishment that I deserve.

Philippians 2:5-7 says “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset [attitude] as Christ Jesus. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to [utilize]. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges [rights]; he took the humble position of a servant and was born as a human being.”      

I am so grateful that I have not received justice or what I deserve, but rather a pardon [mercy]. 

Question:
What is it that you think you deserve? What rights are you holding onto?

Suzi Ware
Missions Coordinator