Journeys With The MessiahVoorbeeld

[Illustrations included in this devotional are not visible in this view. Illustrations are only supported in the Bible App for iOS, Android, and at Bible.com] "Reconciled. A world in desperate need of a Savior." The Garden of Eden is a story about “choice:” Our choice to either live in eternity with God or eventually die…forever! It is a story about God’s magnificent plan versus the human desire to be in control - believing we can create an even better plan. For us, as it was for Adam and Eve, this is arrogant! It lacks in humility and, as we turn from God’s plan of righteous living to follow our own, it separates us – for eternity – from Him. Since the gift of eternal life comes only from God, turning away from Him guarantees our eternal death. In the Old Testament, there are many stories about the offering of a sacrifice in seeking God’s forgiveness of sins - breaking God’s moral laws. A sacrifice was the giving up of something of great value. The greater the value, the greater the sacrifice. Yet, in reality, we have nothing worthy of sacrifice to offer to God; nothing that can pay the price for breaking His laws. Can this ever be reconciled? Yes, but not through anything we can do on our own. God knows we are helpless to save ourselves. And, yet, He loves us so much that, rather than see us die, He paid the price for our sins by sacrificing that which was of the greatest value to Him - His Son, Jesus. Wow! You’ve really got to love someone to give up your child for them! Now, whoever accepts His gift and sacrifice for us by turning back to God and, thus, away from sin and by acknowledging Jesus, not just as their Savior, but also as the Lord of their life, will be reconciled back to God to receive His gift of eternal life.