Read the transcript from today's video devotional.
I love that last phrase. No matter who we are. I catch myself sometimes thinking, you have to look a certain way to come to Jesus, or if you just get your act together, maybe you can get saved. I know that sounds a little risky. According to this, it says no matter who we are, we can come to Jesus. How often do we actually think this way?
Who Do We Think Deserves Saving?
I've had several experiences recently where I've looked at people who have come into my circles, or I've talked with people and I think, man, I wish you'd get saved. Then I look over here at the people that come into my circles, and I'm thinking, there's no way. Maybe you've thought that sometimes, too. How in the world could this person get saved?
Let's take it a level deeper. We look at different environments and we think, why would God ever go there? You see someone walk into a bar across the street and you think, God's not there. Or you see some people walking in to see a horror movie and you think, well, God's not there. Or you see someone in prison who's done some of the most heinous and wrong things, and you think God could never be there.
A Level Playing Field
When I look at the Word of God, this is a level playing field. God took a murderer and turned him into an apostle. God took a prostitute and let her be in the lineage of Jesus. The outward appearance doesn't scare God. Where we get distracted by the number of tattoos someone has, or how bad their record looks, or how many swear words they say, God says, I see someone worth saving.
Jesus didn't look at you and say, if you get your act together, then I'll save you. The Bible actually says that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. He came to us in the dirt, in the muck, in the mire. I think about the prodigal son. The father ran to him in his lowest moment, wrapped his arms around him, and welcomed him home. That's grace. That's love unlike anything we see in the world today.
You're Worth Something
I think that's why He does it. The world says, get your act together and then you'll be worth something. But Jesus says, you're worth something because I went to the cross for you. Don't let anyone tell you different.
Today, I pray that if you've received that grace, you would recognize it. You would own it. You would live into it. If you haven't recognized that grace, you haven't received the free gift of salvation that Jesus offers to you, hear this: He loves you just the way you are. He's calling you just the way you are. You're never too far gone to be saved.
