Soccer, Rio, Redeemer (2)
Thursday July 3, 2014
Lots of people have visited Brazil and Rio de Janeiro in recent times. They've all seen the famous "Christ the Redeemer" statue overlooking the city. It's a powerful reminder that God has come to buy us back. We were created in God's image but sin separated us and put us under the power of the devil. God sent Jesus to pay the price of sin so we could belong to Him again and enjoy a life of freedom and joy.
Some of you might say, “I'm not such a bad person. I don't think I need someone like Jesus to be my redeemer and pay such a big price for me”.
God says: “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (Romans 3:10-12)
Maybe you're on the opposite side saying, "I'm too bad. I don't think Jesus can redeem me."
To you, God says: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)
No accusation. No condemnation. No rejection.
We have all sinned and actually need to be redeemed by God – both those that think they're pretty good and those who think they are pretty bad – our condition is clearly stated in the Bible.
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. (1 John 1:8-10 NLT)
Every time we see a soccer game these days coming from Rio de Janeiro, we need to remember – Jesus wants to be our redeemer. Better yet, today let's come before God and simply admit that we don’t always get it right and we need Christ the redeemer. Let's ask God for forgiveness and let Him buy us back with the blood of Jesus and make us His own.
©2014 Partners in Hope
More information on this and other related topics @ www.partnersinhope.ca/resources
Audio for Soccer, Rio, Redeemer (2)
Recent Meditations
Giving Hope
Partners in Hope is supported wholly by our friends and community. We are thankful to everyone who partners with us to help bring hope to the discouraged, hurting, and hopeless.