Contemplative Bible Reading

Romans 5:17 (New Living Translation)

17 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.

As a kid, did you ever stay in bed on Christmas day because you were too tired to go to the Christmas tree and receive gifts? Probably not. I never did.

God tells us, “Here is the gift of righteousness. Here is the gift that allows you to be in God’s presence for eternity. Get out of bed and come receive it.”

“No, not today, God. I’m busy and tired and just can’t make it,” said many persons over the centuries.

Why do people respond like this? Here is one answer that I don’t like and is probably true far more often than I want to admit.

It is my fault. I misrepresent God in my life. I attach a lot of things to God’s gift that make it unappealing. I make people uncomfortable. I cloud the situation with a lot of stuff. I turn the gift into a contract. I… I… I… I… I could go on for quite a while.

I make a simple situation complicated. I cause other people to think and consider and weigh the alternatives and conform to my lifestyle and all sorts of things.

Please God, help me to keep the simplicity of your gift of grace simply your gift of grace and nothing else. Please help me to invite others into receiving the gift of righteousness.