RECONCILED TO GOD

Genesis 8:21
“Never again will I doom the earth because of man… nor will I ever again strike down all living beings, as I have done…”
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It was a perfect day for a bike ride – early morning, cloudy, dry. I took my trusty old bike and took the road frequently traveled. I was coasting along enjoying the scenery (old houses, junk shops, children playing on the street) when suddenly a car passed by my side at a very fast speed. He missed me alright, by inches but I lost balance in the process. I lost control of the bike and I fell down suffering bruises on my elbow and legs in the process.

The driver may have not noticed, for he (or maybe she) didn’t even bother to stop. I remained in my position for some quite time for I don’t know what to do. Then it hits me – I could just stay there for the rest of the day pondering what happened. Or I can stand-up, ride the bike again, clean my bruises upon reaching the house, and get on with my life.

Throughout our lives, we experienced falling down, not only physically, but spiritually as well. Once we entertain temptations and commits sin, we fall out of the grace of God and come short of His glory. And yet, God has made a promise that He will be sending a Messiah so He does not have to punish men anymore with flood and fire.

However, “for if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). God is the author of reconciliation and has even taken the initiative to remove the wall of enmity between Himself and mankind. Through His love, Christ became the agent of the reconciliation, having died for all our sins. And finally, man is called to be an ambassador of reconciliation. For through forgiving others can we truly be reconciled with God, for sin that separates is ours that only God could reconcile.

Almighty Father, may reconciliation take place first in our own hearts. It is my fervent hope and prayer that we shall receive the gift of healing and reconciliation and true unity which only You can give, and could come simply from our willingness to open ourselves to receive it.

To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.