Romans 5:8-10-"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled shall we be saved through his life!"

I think these verses in Romans are some of the most powerful and humbling verses in the Bible. I don't know about you, but I find it amazing that Jesus laid down his life for those who hated him. The Pharisees and Sadducees, the Roman Soldiers and even the men who put the nails in his hands and feet and hung him on the cross. Why would he do such a thing?

The answer is obedience and love. Jesus knew the only way to bring you and me back into a relationship with his Father was through death. Romans 9:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." There is a payment or debt we owed for our sins. It was a debt so big that we could not pay it. The only way this massive debt could be paid was by putting to death someone who had never sinned. A spotless lamb, so to speak. 

God knew the only way to pay this huge debt for us was to offer his only Son, Jesus Christ. Death of a spotless lamb was the only way. John 3:16-"For God so loved you and me that He gave his son." The death of his son paid the debt for us to have eternity with him. Jesus was obient to the father's will so we could be with him forever. Amazing!

The humbling thing about this act of love is that we were his enemy when he died on that cross. It was our sins and disobients that put him on the cross. We were the ones that put the nails in his hands and the crown of thorns on his head. We were the ones who mocked him and beat him. Spit upon his face and humiliated him. Oh, I know, We were not there 2000 years ago and actually committed these acts but because we were his enemies we would no have stopped it and would have possibly cheered for those who committed these acts. 

We have to admit that it was our sins and disobidence that caused Jesus to be sacrificed. We are just as guilty as those who completed these acts of cruelty. We need to thank Jesus that he didn't wait for us to become a better person or get our act straightened up before he died. He died in order for us to receive his love and mercy so we could stand before God justified and reconciled to him.

Today know that there is nothing you can do to cause God to love you any more or any less than he does right at this moment. God is love and he demonstrated it on a cross some 2000 years ago. If you have not already done so, please receive the gift of eternal life by placing your faith and trust in the one who died for you while you were still his enemy.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love for me. Thank you that you didn't wait until I became perfect before you accepted me. I need you more today than yesterday. Please forgive me as I learn to trust you with my life. I need your help to become all you have called me to be. I was an enemy but because of your love and sacrifice I am now your child and friend. For this I am eternally grateful. In Jesus' Name, Amen!