The Parachute - Devotional

Read This: But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed – namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed. (Romans 3:21-25)

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Think: There aren’t many guarantees in this world, but here’s one: this life is not forever. The mortality rate has been hovering right about around one hundred percent since Adam and Eve—with only one major exception. Rapture aside, the rest of us are heading that way, too.

The truth is, we are all sinners and will account for our sins at the end of our lives—a second guarantee. We may be good by the world’s standards, but that’s not saying much. God sees our hearts and knows every thought. He knows when our motives are self-serving. He knows when we’re putting on a front so others won’t think poorly of us. He is offended by our sin because He is a perfect and holy God. His righteousness demands justice and consequences for our disobedience.

That’s why salvation is truly a gift. Christ lived and died in our place. He told the truth when we would’ve lied. He loved others when we would have loved ourselves. He forgave when we would’ve embraced bitterness. Jesus is the perfect and holy sacrifice given so that we can be reconciled to a holy God. What a gift! He is the cloak of righteousness those who believe will wear when they face their final judgment at the end of this life. It costs us nothing because it cost Him everything.

There’s a third guarantee too, and that is that you have a choice. No matter how sinful you are, how many times you’ve made the same mistake, or even how many people you’ve hurt, the gift of salvation is for everyone who is willing to accept it. Receive it and cling to it like your life depends on it, because it does.

Ask: Like the parachute in the video, sometimes our walk with God can seem difficult, even burdensome. During those times, reflect on where your focus is. Remind yourself that this life is short, but salvation is for eternity.

Pray: Ask God to give you the strength to live out your salvation and stand firm in your faith, not only for your own sake but for the benefit of people around you too.