May 27, 2010 - Acts 13:37-38

“’But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.’” Acts 13:37-38.
The decay of sin and death did not overcome Jesus when he was in the grave. Instead, God raised Jesus up to life once again, overcoming the effects of sin and death and becoming the channel for the forgiveness of all sins. This is the message Paul delivered to the people of Pisidian Antioch. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, made a clear path to God for all people to come to be forgiven of all their sins and to be made clean. And this path was established by Jesus taking death and sin to the grave with Him and being raised to new life, giving Him victory over death and sin, once and for all time. The sting of death was broken and freedom from sin was now possible.
Yet, at times in my life, I sense the polluting and decaying effect of sin. Most of the time it is a slow process; so slow that it is hardly recognizable. It’s like death on the installment plan. Yet it is still there, and, as I grow older, I am more keenly aware of how this pollution and decay have adversely affected me. Even though the war with sin and death has been won through Jesus, I am still in a daily struggle to walk in God’s freedom from sin’s effects. I am so grateful to know that through Jesus I have a path to receive forgiveness for all my sins.
Questions to consider: How has Jesus’ resurrection affected your daily life? How are you aware of God’s forgiveness in your life? What are you doing to walk in God’s freedom? How are you helping others to find that freedom, as well?
Prayer: Father, help me to not take Your forgiveness for granted. Help me to remember the ultimate price that Jesus paid to make this a reality. Amen.