Contemplative Bible Reading

Romans 5:1-2 (New Living Translation)

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. ² Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.

Notice the progression: faith brings us peace, but not because of my wonderful faith. The peace comes from what Jesus the Christ did for me. Jesus brings me to undeserved privilege.

Let me repeat that for emphasis: Jesus brings me to undeserved privilege. Sometimes I groan when it hits me how much I am blessed. God looked at little, miserable me and blessed little, miserable me.

A poet once said it so much better than I ever could:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.