Devotionals

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Romans 5:7-8 - Very Rarely will anyone die for a righetous man, though for a good man, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I've always found this passage to be an interesting paragory. Righteous vs. good vs. sinners.

It's obvious why someone would not die for a Righteous man - he doesn't need it - he's already been declared "not guilty." Actually, in all reality, a righteous man may never even step foot in a court.

A "good" man, on the other hand, may be taken to court for something he did or didn't do. He may have been determined "guilty" of a crime he didn't commit. Or, on another hand, he may have made a "mistake," and as a result, broke the law, and now he must pay the price. But maybe someone knows him well, and knows his character and decides to pay the fine for him so that he can go free - thus providing a "second chance" phenomenon.

However, what's so amazingly ironic about our Savior is that we were neither righteous nor good. We were sinners. Accused of . . . envy, murder, strife, deceit and malace. . . gossips, slanders, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, boastful . . . evil, disobedient, senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless (Romans 1:29-31) and the list goes on. We were charged "GUILTY," and that not unfairly. In any fair court, we would be deserving of death. (and if one truly is guilty as charged, you don't typically find people stepping up to pay the guilty party's sentance - "they deserve their just punnishment.") BUT GOD. Wow! What powerful words . . . "But God" he demonstrated His love - He displayed His divine supremacy in such an unlikely way. He put out for all the world to view just how much we mean to Him.

A hush falls over the courtroom as a man rises from his seat and quietly makes his way up to the front. He approaches the judge's seat, and the two men look at each other as if they're long time friends. The man steps up as the judge lends an ear. And this familiar stranger whispers something to the judge and turns to face the court. The judge takes a look at the sentence papers he holds in his hand. I stand silently, hearing only my heartbeat in my ears - afraid of the punishment I am about to ensue - for everyone knows that I am guilty. The judge rises and begins to speak. "This man has requested to receive the full punishment that is due so that the guilty party may be set free."

The stranger looks into my eyes, and I feel him boring into my soul: See how much I love you? The sentence is read; being found guilty of the crimes accused, I am sentanced to death. I drop my head as the tears fill my eyes.

The guards quickly approach the stranger, cuff him, and lead him away. He doesn't fight, he doesn't struggle - he says not a word. The judge picks up the sentencing papers, looks at me and says, "You are free to go." He rips the sentencing paper from top to bottom. "Not guilty."

My chains fell off; the doors open. And as I step out into the brightness, I wonder: "Who was he?" And all I hear is, Hannah, see how much I love you!!!

H. C. 3.22.2006

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