1 Corinthians 1:26-31
For example, consider your call, brothers. Not many of you were wise from a human point of view, not many were powerful, and not many were born with high status. But God chose the foolish things of the world to put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world to put to shame the things that are strong, and God chose the lowly things of the world and the despised things, and the things that are not, to do away with the things that are, so that no one may boast before God. But because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us the wisdom from God, namely, our righteousness and sanctification and redemption. God did this so that, just as it is written, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for not making heaven’s entrance something we must achieve. Instead, You take us as we are, with all our bumps and bruises from life; with all our past sins and iniquities, You have already forgiven us for Your Son’s sake. Faith in Your Son restores us to You and brings us eternal life. Those the world sees as weak, foolish, low-status, or despised, You chose to be Your adopted children and heirs of heaven. They have nothing to boast about but what You have done for them and all believers.
Jesus came to earth, born of the lowest of means. He was born to a peasant family, and his first cradle was a feed trough in a barn, even though he was a King. He had ordinary, everyday men as disciples, and his message was rejected by many—a message completely separated from works—salvation attained by faith in Him alone. Jesus suffered the cross to redeem our sins; his love covers the most heinous sins, and in our sins’ weakness, we see the need for our Savior to restore us to you.
Lord, there is no sin too great that Jesus’ love cannot overcome, so we ask you to forgive all our sins for Jesus’ sake. We pray that according to Your grace and mercy, You will forgive us and strengthen our faith to change our hearts so that we turn away from all the sins that would divide us from You.
Out of love for You, let us share this message with those around us who might see themselves as weak, foolish, or despised so that when we share this truth about You, they will know and trust Your Son, receive his forgiveness, and have eternal life with You. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
God takes each of us where we are, including your every sin. He forgives, cleanses, and restores you to Himself, making you his own to live with him forever. Salvation and eternal life come to you through the open hands of faith that trust in Jesus as your Savior.