Discovering the Far Greater StorySample

REBELLION

Yesterday we talked about creation. To understand creation is to recognize that God created everything, and that includes you and me! And because He created us in His image, our lives have purpose and tremendous value. This is the first part of the far greater story of God’s love for us revealed in the Bible. It answers some really important questions like:

• How did we get here?
• Do our lives matter?

The second part of the story answers another really important question, which is:

• What went wrong in the world?

This is a question that we have to ask if we are being honest with what we see in the world around us and even in our own hearts. A rebellion is an open resistance to an authority. As our creator, God is our authority. To rebel against Him is to disobey His commands. This is called “sin.” It happens every time we do not live up to God’s standard of goodness and love. Whether we sin on purpose or by accident, we are rebelling against the way God has commanded us to live. This separates us from God and causes havoc in the world.

We all have rebelled against God and His goodness. And the Bible tells us that the penalty of our rebellion is death because our sin needs to be punished. This is why we need to be rescued. This is why we need a Savior. The penalty for our rebellion needs to be paid. Our sin needs to be forgiven. Until we understand this, the story of Jesus will never make any sense to us.

Pray today for help to recognize how you have rebelled and for the courage to confess it to God.

Here are some things to do and think about today:

• Watch the video, “Rebellion.”
• What does "sin" mean?
• In what ways do we rebel against God’s commandments?
• Why can understanding our rebellion lead us to a place of humility?
• Ask God to help you recognize how you have rebelled and for the courage to confess it to Him.