Scripture
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.
Reflection
We know that sin entered the world because we have death. We will all eventually die and unfortunately die also spiritually to the life we could have had in Christ. Adam, literally “a man”, introduced sin when he disobeyed God, but we don’t need Adam’s help with this, our own stories are also filled with our own disobedience. This is true for everybody. What is also true is that life came through Jesus Christ. As pervasive as sin and death are, meaning it effects all of us without exception, then grace in Christ has the potential to reach anyone who will receive grace and do more for us than sin could ever do. “Grace, grace, God’s grace; Grace that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God’s grace; Grace that is greater than all my sin” (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How will you apply what God is telling you in your life today?
- Is there someone you feel you need to tell this message to?
Prayer
Use a specific part of your daily commute as a prayer prompt. Perhaps you pass the same landmark or station every day; or maybe your journey involves a few different types of transport. Build a connection, so that when you reach a certain part of your journey, you’re prompted to pray for a certain situation or people.
