"The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin
increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death,
so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord." (Rom 5:20-21, NIV2)
The law shows us all of our shortcomings. We cannot hide from it, for it reveals
who we truly are. Quite discouraging, don't you think?
However, amidst this abundance of selfishness, God's grace came through, through
His Son Jesus, the Christ. He willingly died for us on a cross, paying our
penalty, so that we could live for eternity with our Heavenly Dad. Imagine
meeting Jesus in person, once we reach heaven. This thought fills me truly with
adrenaline!
God's grace overshadows our sins, so that we can be considered righteous, even
though we aren't really. That's love my friends, divine love.
His manifestation can be seen even amidst the worst scenarios on our planet
earth. Imagine brothers turning against brothers for some political ideology.
The American Civil War was just that. One day they are friends, the next day
they were trying to kill one another.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, at the base of Oak Hill, it was suspected that
some Confederate sharp shooters had lodged themselves in the McClean barn. They
had to be flushed out! Elements of the 45th regiment of the New York Infantry
surrounded that storehouse.
Amongst these soldiers was a corporal named Rudolph Swartz, an immigrant from
Germany. As Rudolph entered the barn, he recognized one of the Confederate
prisoners being taken to the rear. It was his own brother, dressed in a
Confederate uniform. Immediately these two men embraced. This would be their
last embrace, as later on that same day, Rudolf Swartz, the Union corporal, was
killed in action.
Grace showed up that day. These brothers had the opportunity to say farewell to
one another. An unimaginable task amidst the thick of a battle, but it still
happened. God had known how important it would be for these two brothers to meet
up this last time.
All of us, if we take the time, have stories about times when grace showed up in
unimaginable places. Sadly we often forget about these, not realizing that God
had come through for us. And He sure did come through when our sins were
forgiven on Golgotha. Accepting His grace opened the doors wide to experience
Him fully.
Do we even realize that we are now considered righteous in God's eyes?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.