We were on the road in the drug and red... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23

We were on the road in the drug and red light district of a large German city and wanted to reach the people there with the gospel, to tell them that there is one who loves them and who died for them: Jesus Christ. To get into conversation with them, we had small gifts with us.

Three weeks later, when we were there talking to the bouncer of a bar, he asked us if he could exchange his gift for another one. He explained to us, “Previously I was given a lighter with the Bible verse on it, ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.’ I can’t stand having to read that Bible verse over and over again!”

Yes, there are Bible verses that are annoying, that accuse, that burn into the mind. They sometimes remind us of something we can’t shake off or forget. But perhaps it is through that one particular Bible verse that God wants to speak to us personally. So instead of reacting in an annoyed way, we would do well to ask ourselves what God is trying to say to us through it.

Let’s just think of this Bible verse as a message from someone who is being good and honest with us. When a doctor tells us about our bad diagnosis, it is certainly not pleasant either, but it is the first step on the way to healing. And very few people will be so foolish as to ignore the recommendations that bring healing; usually we are grateful for them and get treatment as soon as possible.

The man had read, “All have sinned and fall short ...”, and he knew that meant: I have sinned and I do not reach God’s standard! And that was a good start.

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28 · Psalms 138:1-8