December 17th – Romans 5:8
Romans 5:8
The word “wretch” can be traced back to the Old English word “wrecca”, meaning one who is despicable, or contemptible. An outcast or an exile. A perfect description for each of us when it comes to our standing before a holy and perfect God. But because of His grace and mercy, through the blood of Christ, our Father in heaven takes us once wretched, and makes us His beloved. What does this mean? This means that even though I am a sinner and fail daily, God wants me. All of me; the good, the bad, and the ugly. And not because of my great love for Him, but because of His great love for me. Richard Sibbes is quoted as saying, “there is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.” As I continue to have good and bad days, successes and failures, I will be forever grateful for God’s grace and mercy that no matter what will remain the same. And most of all, I will rejoice in God’s amazing grace that saved a wretch like me!
