Act II: Revolt

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too sinful to be loved by God, then spend some time reading the Bible. The Bible is a record book of some epic sinning. In just the fourth chapter, one brother murders another in a jealous rage. The Egyptians brutally enslaved the Israelites and committed infanticide. The Pharisees and Sadducees distorted God’s law and exploited their positions of power. Even David, a man whom God appointed as King over Israel, raped and murdered.

So, Act II in God’s story is called “Revolt” because it’s about how sin creates a separation between humanity and God that we cannot repair. God’s image-bearing creation—humans—revolted against their loving creator, condemning ourselves to eternity without him. It started in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve deliberately disobeyed God’s command. As Roman’s 5:12 (NIV) says, “sin entered the world,” through them and “death came to all people, because all sinned.”

But this act in God’s story contains some good news, too. As soon as Adam and Eve committed that first sin, God began to pursue them. He immediately set a plan in motion for their redemption, promising that one day, a savior would come. God still pursues and redeems sinners. If you take a minute to honestly, quietly reflect upon your life, you can probably think of sinful things you’ve done. Lies you’ve told. Things you’ve stolen. Times when you’ve treated others cruelly. Scripture is clear, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV).

But just as God provided for Adam and Eve, just as he freed the Israelites and forgave King David, so God will free, forgive, and provide for you, too. While we revolt, God redeems.

Reflection

• When has sin made it feel like God was far away? What did you do?
• Can you think of something you want to confess to God right now?
• Based on 1 John 1:9, take a minute and meditate on how God has forgiven you of your sin.

Prayer

Dear God, THANK YOU for forgiving me. You know what I’ve done. You know how far I can stray sometimes, yet you love me and forgive me. Thank you for seeking me out when I’m hiding in shame. Thank you for being a god who frees and forgives! Amen.