Romans 3:21-31
Reflect
If you look on the internet you can find a picture taken in 2014, of 74-year-old Chandra Bahadur Dangi and 31-year-old Sultan Kösen shaking hands. What is so interesting about this simple scene? Well, what makes it noteworthy is more than just two men, who are separated by 43 years of age, exchanging pleasantries. Dangi, who hails from Nepal, is recorded as the world’s shortest man. He is 21 inches tall. Kösen is from Turkey, and is the tallest living man, well over eight feet tall.
The difference between these two men is striking. You cannot find two more opposite individuals. However, when you read our passage today, it tells a different tale of the measuring tape. When it comes to their standing before God, Kösen’s height bears him no advantage. Both men on their own merit fall short of the glory of God.
Apply
Paul here gives us the “I’ve got bad news and good news” scenario. The bad news is we all fall short of being able to measure up to God’s standard. The good news is that because of what Jesus has done for us, He makes available to us equal and acceptable standing before God regardless of physical stature, or ancestral heritage. Praise God for His grace and for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Church Board members: Barbara Whidden, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kleiwer, Lia Daniels, Matt Chute, Randy Voss, Seth Jansen, Tyler Elmgren, and Uwem Okome.
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his family and his ministry.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.