January 18 - God's Abundant Provision

Today's Reading:
1 Samuel 5:1-7:17
Romans 5:6-21
Psalm 76:1-12
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Focus Verses: Romans 5:17-19  
17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Insight:
Sin and the death it causes entered the world through the disobedience of our earliest ancestors. As we followed in their sinful steps, death came to all humankind. All of us sin, so all of us die. But Christ Jesus has broken this chain of disobedience and sin. He was faithful to obey God, even to the point of death. Just as walking in Adam's sinful steps leads to death, walking in the steps of Jesus brings life for all who follow him in faith.

Response and Action:
Jesus has broken the cycle of sin and death. Instead of being trapped in a downward spiral of disobedience and human weakness, through Christ I can take hold of righteousness by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus has changed the possibilities for all of humankind. He has brought new life and the hope of transformation for all who trust in him. He has broken the chain of human failure and rebellion. Sin and death are no longer inevitable for me. Righteousness and obedience are possible for me with Jesus. He calls me to renewal, hope, and transformation.

O God, thank you for your son, Jesus, who has brought life into the world. Thank you that the life he brings is for everyone. Help me to recognize the possibilities Jesus brings. Give me the faith and the perseverance to take hold of the renewal and transformation he offers. Give me the wisdom and the will to turn away from the destructive path of sin and death. Give me the desire and diligence to follow in the life-giving and obedient steps of Jesus, my Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 2 Peter 1:2-4
2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

Resources:
Living the Resurrection: The Risen Christ in an Everyday Life
by Eugene H. Peterson