A friend of mine called to let me know that her young grandchild, whom
they had been worried about, was just diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.
Along with the diagnosis came training for both parents and child.
Amidst the training it was explained that insulin is the key that
unlocks the body's cells so they are able to absorb necessary sugar to
promote body energy.
As I contemplated this definition of
insulin's job, I found myself thinking how this was so like the blood of
Christ in regards to it being the key which unlocks the way to
restoration between God and man through forgiveness. And with
forgiveness comes abundance of life eternally.
Without the
shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. And without
forgiveness of sin there is no relationship with God. And without
relationship with God there is no eternal life.
Just like insulin
however, forgiveness must be chosen. If a patient with diabetes refuses
to inject their insulin their cells remained locked. Sugar is denied to
the body and they eventually go into diabetic shock which leads to
death. Adjusting to taking a daily shot, especially for a child is
difficult, but in order to be healthy they must come to the acceptance
of this fact.
Many people do not want to accept the fact that
they are sinners and need God's forgiveness. And yet this too is a fact.
God states:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that
came by Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23 NIV
Forgiveness of sin is a
free gift offered to all by God through faith in Christ Jesus. To obtain
his gift however one must accept the truth that everyone has thought or
done things displeasing to God leaving a breach in their relationship
with Him. This breach can only be restored as a person acknowledges
their sin, repents of it and turns by faith to the work of Jesus Christ
on the cross: a work which unlocks the healing power of forgiveness
between God and man, allowing man to be born again from spiritual death
unto the abundance of eternal life now and forever more.
Prayer:
Father God we thank you for the provision which you have made for all
people to have eternal life in Christ. We pray today that many will come
to the realization of their sin and humbly repent and turn from it as
they accept by faith the person and work of Christ Jesus on the cross.
May many pray today as so many others have down through the eons of
time: Lord Jesus I need you. I acknowledge and turn from my sin. I ask
you to come into my life. I accept and embrace your forgiveness and
thank you for restoring my relationship with God now and forever more
through the power of your blood. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.
