Redeeming ReignSample

DAY 2: THE CONDITION

Good news: Romans 3:10 says, “as it is written: 'None is righteous, no, not one'.” Our human condition is tarnished, blemished, and unworthy without a Savior. As I mentioned, we are all black-hearted sinners. It's clear since the fall of man in Genesis 3. If you’ve ever sunken to the bottom of the rancid trough of your own sin and depravity, you can relate. If you’ve ever fractured a relationship or suffered a moral failure at the hands of your own sin, you’re welcome here. If you’ve ever cut corners for selfish gain or distorted truth for your own benefit, welcome to the club. Whether you have been the violator or the victim, the shameful or the shattered, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden, we have been ushered into a broken, lost, and sinful world. The enemy has made it clear, yet often deploying covert tactics, that he will stop at nothing to destroy us. Most of the destruction in my life has been self-induced. Seeking outlets that overcompensate for insecurity, coupled with prideful self-righteous entitlement and indignation, has historically been the recipe for my demise.

As I said, we all sin, but many have been brutally betrayed or emotionally traumatized as recipients of another’s despicable actions. I want to be sensitive to those with whom I can only be sympathetic. Other than an occasional bully in grade school, I can’t say my life has been littered with predators who have hurt me. If you have experienced that level of offense, I pray you fully know God’s love and redemption. He is not finished with you, and nothing gets wasted. In fact, this devotional is primarily intended to further reveal God’s redeeming reign and love for all of us. His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and goodness are for all who call His name. All who have received the gift of salvation by submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ have become children of God and have an all-access pass to His Holy Spirit’s peace, restoration, and healing.

The human condition leaves much to be desired if left to our own flesh. The condition of our soul naturally bends toward natural desires and away from spiritual fruit. The woman at the well understood living a flawed, sinful existence. Jesus spoke of her promiscuous lifestyle but also of an alternative from a well that never runs dry. He spoke of living water, and those who drink it never thirst again. How much of our lives are spent chasing a thirst that dwindles, decays, and dries up? Often, we allow the world to quench what only God can satisfy. Many of us are fearful that our frayed condition disqualifies us from a restorative process that only Jesus administers. The good news is He already knows and already accepts us. He knowingly and willingly died for sinners like us. His agape love requires no conditions or qualifications. His exit strategy paved the way for our entry into the Kingdom.