While we were still sinners

​4-11-22
While we were still sinners
Today’s devotion is based on John 12:6, “He did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week, so the devotions this week will be focused on events that take place in Jesus’ life. Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, long before he betrayed Jesus, was a thief and helped himself to the disciple’s common money. Jesus knows that Judas is a dishonest man and even that he will be the one to betray him. And yet Jesus does not exclude him but patiently keeps exposing him to his teachings and miracles.
If Jesus treated Judas the Betrayer in that way, think about what this means for us. ‘God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners.’ Instead of continuing our lives thinking other people are worse sinners than we are, remember that we still sin and deserve God’s wrath. 
Remember that you, in your present condition, are enough for Christ, who has already died for you, so that you don’t have to know God’s wrath. Do not wait for the ‘if only’ moment so you can live up to being a Christ-follower; start with who you are today. What you have to offer – out of your weakness, poverty, and sinfulness – is precisely enough for Christ, who bears with you in love.
Please pray with me, Lord Jesus; you knew of Judas’ flaws and still held him close until the end. You know of my many flaws, yet you have already died for me on the cross and risen again. I can live because you died. Help me trust that I am enough for you, that I don’t have to wait to be someone great, important, powerful, or more equipped than now to serve you. In Your blessed name, I pray. Amen.