Daily Devotion for April 28, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Romans 5:6-21.

Today in our worship services, I am offering the last of this three-part sermon series where we are celebrating and reflecting on some “takeaways” from Easter. Because of what God did through Jesus Christ at Easter, we are all offered the gifts of God’s love, hope and grace. Today we are focusing on God’s gift of grace.

The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about that gift in his letters to the early Christians. In this passage from Romans, he is comparing the results of sin that the first human brought into the world with the grace that Jesus brought to the world. When we receive the gift of Christ, his grace wipes out the effect that sin had on our relationship with God. It puts us in a good standing with God and frees us to live life to the fullest.

I like to regularly remind us of a phrase that is in one of the questions we ask of those coming for baptism: “Do you…. put your whole trust in his (Jesus Christ’s) grace….?” In a very real sense, we are betting our eternal life on this gift of grace. I believe it is the surest bet you can ever make! Go “all in” on God’s grace!

Personal Worship Option:

Julia Johnston wrote the words to the hymn “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.” In our UMC Hymnal, Romans 5:20 is referenced. Here is the chorus. Let it be a reminder to you today of just how great grace is.

Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within;

grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!