By Lisa Wilmore
…For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8 NKJV).
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
To begin with, let us praise and thank God for what He has done for us! I pray that the posture of your hearts is still grateful as they were on Resurrected Sunday when we worshipped the One who hung on the cross, bled for the remission of our sins, and died so that you and I may have life eternally.
“Thank God for pursuing us while we were still sinners.” He demonstrated His love toward us, and we must give Him honor and praise for sacrificing His life for our liberty. The song writer (Yolonda Adams-“My Liberty”) says, “He saved my life-before I ever knew it. He paid the price-He didn’t have to do it. And I know-I never can repay Him. But all my life-I will ever praise His name.”
Next, isn’t it mind boggling to know that Jesus pursued the worst of the worst? Do you know anyone who would pursue or track someone knowing that their imperfections and flaws are beyond correction? Or their deficiencies are greater than they will be able to handle or manage?
Unquestionably, no one will take on the task of dealing with others’ imperfections knowing that they are beyond help other than Jesus our Savior. Because we were beyond help, the only One who could do anything for us was Jesus the Christ (Anointed One), who loved us more than anyone ever could.
In addition, the most interesting part of Jesus’ sacrifice is that “He pursued us while we were still sinners.” We were not good enough for His love, but He died so that we could have access to our Father. Even before we turned to Him, He loved us so much. The song writer continues, “He picked me up-and turned me all around. And in his love-I am ever found. He gave me joy-in the place of sorrow. He is my all-before I knew tomorrow.”
Lastly, in our aforementioned Text, Paul pointed out that Christ died for the ungodly. Particularly, He died for those who were flawed and imperfect beings. He did not come to save those who were good, but those who were defective. Even in our defective state, He pursued us.
Thank God for pursuing us while we were still sinners.
