Hello friends-good to see you again.  We are actually done with our series on The Table, but I will continue to post them all as time allows.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

“For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that IN HIM we might become the righteousness of God.” (emphasis added)

“In Him”…..such a good reminder. That whatever “good” we have, is found in Christ and Christ alone.  It’s not of our own doing.  It’s not about ritual and it’s not about being religious.  IN HIM it says.  Because our righteousness, our “good,” isn’t really good at all is it?  We don’t bring righteousness to the table. Scripture says that, “our righteousness is as filthy rags.” (Ew.) But here is the good news my friends….we find righteousness there. In the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:17 

“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is -a righteousness that is by faith, from first to last, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.”  

My friends, we have to believe that the body and the blood of Jesus is enough. That his work on the cross was enough. He doesn’t need our “good.” We hand him our checked off lists of duties and works. I don’t believe that’s what he is after. He wants us. He wants our hearts. Our doing and our striving will leave us frustrated and anxious. But his grace. Oh his grace….leaves us peaceful and rested. 

We cannot earn his love. We cannot earn his grace. I say this a lot…because I need it a lot. 

I bring nothing of value to the table. And yet, Jesus is always there. Waiting patiently for me-for us-to come and lay it all down. To put aside our lists. And just give him us. 

This is a free gift my friends. And THIS is where faith has to play the lead role. Because we want to pay for it. We want to earn it. But we can’t. It’s already been paid for.