She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

Reflection

It’s hard to be told you’re not good enough.

Nobody wants to hear that their best efforts can’t possibly make the cut.

We may no longer sacrifice the blood of bulls and goats in an attempt to right ourselves in the eyes of God, but that doesn’t mean we don’t throw other things at the altar in attempt to make a show of faith or a pass at redemption.

We tithe and dig wells and adopt orphans. We read and write books, we “buy one, give one” and shop with a purpose. We make legitimate sacrifices from genuine hearts of compassion and love for the benefit of others and not ourselves.

We try. We do the right thing with the wrong heart. We do the right thing with a right heart. And it’s absolutely not enough.

Nothing we do can garner acceptance or atone for sins. Nothing can.

Our sacrifices are not sufficient - however genuine they may be. No matter how much we do justice and love mercy and walk humbly, our “blood of bulls and goats” is never going to be good enough to do what the shed blood of the Lamb of God accomplished on our behalf.

You see, God always knew that a Greater Sacrifice would have to be made. And once and for all, it was.

“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure. Then I said, “Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.”’”

Sisters, you are not enough and that is okay. Know that. Embrace and acknowledge and hear that.

Hear also that the blood of the spotless Lamb of God has been shed on your behalf. And that is why it’s okay.

And if you believe that truth today, then all of the good things can and will flow simply from a heart of thanks - a heart that has been purchased once and for all.

Prayer

Lord, I was a slave to sin. You bought me with a price that I will never be able to repay. The check has been written, deposited and cleared, and there is nothing I can do to make it up to you. Thank you, my Redeemer, for the real freedom I have in you!

Advent Action

Show mercy to a stranger today, not because it will secure your salvation but because your salvation is already secure.

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