Page 143 - Grace150 Devotional

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as
a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23–24
Stephanie and I often marvel at the third chapter of Romans, where God
describes our fallen state and His provision of a gift for our redemption. It is
wonderful to be recipients of this gift. Our wonder stems from the freedom and
forgiveness we find when we open the gift, tearing off the ribbons and tossing
aside the wrapping paper. We are grateful to the Lord for providing this gift to us
both as young children.
As we matured, we were able to dig deeper into the box, pulling out the tuft of
tissue paper, searching to see if the box held any other wonders. To our surprise,
at the bottom of the box we found a receipt, left intentionally—not mistakenly—
for us to find. Printed on the receipt was verse 26 from Romans 3: “It was to show
his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of
the one who has faith in Jesus.”

This gift of grace came with a high cost; a cost that kept intact God’s character, His
mercy, and His righteousness. Grace required justice, and having been justified at
great cost, it requires that we leave our nets and follow Him.

Lord, thank You for the costly gift You so graciously give to us.
– Adam & Stephanie Saatkamp

devotions for the journey DAY 136