Romans 5:12-17 (NLT) When Adam sinned, sin entered the world.
Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. Yes, people sinned even before the law was
given. But it was not counted as sin because there was not yet any law to
break. Still, everyone died—from the
time of Adam to the time of Moses—even those who did not disobey an explicit
commandment of God, as Adam did. Now Adam is a symbol, a representation of
Christ, who was yet to come. But there
is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin
of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s
wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man,
Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s
gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For
Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made
right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused
death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift
of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and
death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Over the weekend, I have read some profound writings
responding to the tragic events in Sandy Hook.
I am to the point where I don’t want to hear any more newscasters or
analysts picking apart what happened or how people might react emotionally or what
might have caused this young man to do something so horrific. I feel there is a
profit motive behind some of this fueled by folk’s morbid curiosity. I was
saddened when one reporter said some were taking down their Christmas
decorations. I suppose that’s fine if
those decorations only represent secular celebrations to them. Yet I know that if Christ had not come into
the world, things would be a whole lot worse than they are. And I know that because Christ did come into
the world we are seeing a spirit of compassion fueled by those who have learned
to live out the teachings of Christ. The outpouring of love and support directed
towards those in Sandy Hook has been heartwarming. Nothing can undo or make up for the bad that
happened. Yet as usual in all things,
even in this God is working to bring good.
That is why my Christmas decorations will remain in place and I will
celebrate the season.
Holy God, we pray for those in the community of Sandy Hook
and for those who loose loved ones who die quiet deaths all over this country
and world every day. Instill in us the
hope of new life after this life and comfort us as we grieve over the passing
of loved ones. We ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
Have a blessed week; hug your loved ones,
Paige
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