Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:7-8
Sin separates us from God. Scripture makes it crystal clear that sin is devastating. But, it also teaches that God has a heart for sinners and did everything He could to restore our relationship with Him.
Samson found himself in the middle of His sin, and he was in a desperate place in Judges 16. He had lost all of his strength, been captured by the Philistines, the Philistines had gauged his eyes out, and the Philistines were undoubtedly going to destroy him. All of this happened because of his sinful actions. He had lived sinfully and disobediently, and he was facing the consequences. During this time, Samson began to see his need to turn back to God. He prayed a simple prayer: ”Sovereign Lord, remember me again. O God, please strengthen me just one more time. With one blow, let me pay back the Philistines for the loss of my two eyes” (verse 28). He was positioned between the pillars that supported the roof of the Philistine temple. At this prayer, God gave Samson his strength back. Samson put his hands on the pillars of the temple and pushed against them with all of his strength (verse 29). As he did this, the temple completely collapsed. God allowed Samson to carry out His judgment on the Philistine people. This was undoubtedly an act of restoration.
Samson’s story in Judges 16 is certainly not the only place where we read about God’s heart for sinners who turn to Him. Indeed, Scripture is full of teachings and reminders that God cares for sinners and offers restoration if we turn to Him. Romans 5:7-8 says it this way: “Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” You see, when we were far from God, God loved us and sent Jesus to rescue us from our sins if we place our faith in Him. God has a heart for sinners and did everything to bring them back to Him.
Maybe today, you feel a little bit like Samson. Perhaps you have been running from God and living disobediently, and you wonder if there is any hope. My friend, God has a heart for forgiveness and restoration if we will turn to Him. Turn to Him today.
Moving Toward Action
Write a prayer of thanksgiving to God. Thank Him for being a God who offers grace and forgiveness. Thank Him for the redemption He offers all who come to Him and place their faith in Him. As you thank Him, make your prayer personal, thank Him for the grace and forgiveness He has specifically shown to you.
Read Romans 5:1-11
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
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