Not Deserving...

Scripture:1Timothy 1:12-16 (ESV)

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Devotional:

Throughout my life there have been many times I have questioned my own faith.  I think who am I, and why would God save me.  I definitely do not deserve it.   Then I read something Paul writes.  Throughout all his writings, Paul is faithful.  However, this was not always the case.  In fact, Paul starts out persecuting Christians and putting them to death.

So what happened?  How did Paul come to change his ways.  It was not anything he did.  It was not his strength or will.  Are you asking what happened?  Simply put Jesus showed up.  Paul became faithful for the rest of his life, even unto death.

Jesus did show up.  He was born a baby.  He lived life here on earth.  He suffered a horrible death.  He rose from the dead victorious over sin and death.  The best part is that is not the end of the story.  Jesus is still showing up today.  The Holy Spirit is at work all around.  Jesus came not for a few but for everyone.  Jesus is waiting for us to welcome Him in.  He wants to be part of our lives.  The fact is anyone can be saved.  Jesus did not come for a select few.  He desperately wants each one of us to believe.  Romans 3:23-24 (ESV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”  Yes that means every single one of us has sinned.  Every single one of us deserves death, separation from God for all eternity.  Jesus offers redemption for us all.  His death and resurrection paid our debts.  Romans 6:23 (ESV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Even though we do not deserve it, we are given life.  The most precious thing we could ever gain is freely given.  I think that single thought gives people the most trouble.  We place a price tag on everything.  The more valuable the higher it costs.  Therefore, something free must not be of great value.  Something free has to have strings attached.   The truth is there was and is a price for our salvation.  It cost a man his life.  He was severely beaten.  He was nailed to a cross and suffered a painful humiliating death.  Why did he do it?  You might find it hard to believe, but He did it because He loves YOU. 

Paul is a great example for us.  He would be one of the last people we would think God would redeem and use.  God chose Paul.  Paul accepted and devoted his life to Christ.  He did not deserve it, but he did receive it.  What about you?