On a recent television news broadcast, before the short Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, got up to speak, I saw that a platform or stool was put in behind the lectern. The riser enabled her to use the lectern to rest her notes and speak comfortably. This reminded me of something that I have never forgotten that happened on a trip to St. Kitts, an island that is part of the Leeward chain in the Caribbean.

A number of years ago, our family went there with my oldest sister, Ethel, and her husband, Charles, who was asked to speak at the Sunday worship service. Before he got in behind the pulpit, two men placed a platform to raise him up so that he would be seen by the congregation. The pulpit was high due to the fact that the regular minister was very tall. On the riser, Charles was able to rest his Bible on the pulpit and see the people, and the people were able to see him.

I remember this because it helped me to understand the lesson that we learn in Romans chapter three:

“There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:22b-23 NIV)

In myself, I cannot please God, because I fall short of His glory. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to procure the righteousness needed for us to enter His presence. Jesus went to Calvary to pay the penalty of death for the sin of all mankind. We accept His substitution on our behalf by faith.

“This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” (Romans 3:22a NIV)

We all fall short of God’s glory, so what platform do you stand on? Let us never take Jesus’ sacrifice for granted, especially on this Palm Sunday as we enter Holy Week and approach Good Friday!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we ask that we may live showing by word and deed that we have put our faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to show love and kindness to others. We also pray for government officials at this time of making decisions that have impact worldwide. Amen.


Copyright © 2022, by Ruth Rowe <ruthjohn.rowe@gmail.com>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca .
Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada

Reprinted from PresbyCan with author’s permission