Lent: A pure gift

Read Romans 3:19-31.

Key verses:  Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ. Roman 3:23-24 (The Message)

Romans 3:23 is one of those verses I memorized as a teenager. It’s part of the Roman Road that we were supposed to use to lead people to Christ. It’s always seemed too simple to me. Four steps to salvation, or whatever.

But when I look at this idea that I – and you – am utterly incapable of living up to a Godly life, I can feel some relief. The idea that God loved me – and you – so much he offers this gift. That’s beyond simple. It’s awe-inspiring.

Yesterday I traveled by plane and car from Indianapolis to Vail, Colorado. The drive through the Rocky Mountains is always awe-inspiring for me. The connection? Somehow the same God that is the creator of earth and stars and mountains and snow – is also the one who calls and gives and saves and heals.

Here’s to that God!