I'm a Scoundrel

      "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This last half of Romans 5:8 is familiar to many. As I was spending time in the Word this morning, I was taken aback by what we're missing from this passage.

Let's imagine some things for just a moment.  A renowned physician known for his caring generosity has been in a boating accident at the lake your family is vacationing at. It would require risking your life to safe him. Worth it? Maybe. He could touch and even save many lives in his lifetime.

     One of the neighbors near your summer cabin has fallen down a mining cavern known to have disease causing agents in it. Is it worth risking your long term health to save him? Perhaps. I mean, he is my neighbor, and a good man and all.

     An obviously inebriated man in a bar fight is thrown in the street, cussing and swearing at his aggravators. You might have enough time to safely drag him out from in front of the city bus that's headed his way. Do you step out and take that chance? Maybe not.

     Even the stuff of Hollywood is about saving those who have a life worthy of living. Denzel Washington's character gave his life to save a young girl with a full life ahead of her in Man on Fire. In The Lord of the Rings book and movie trilogy, Gandalf fell to his death for the sake of the Fellowship, which was on a mission to save Middle Earth. Over and over, people are willing to give their lives so that ones with a promising future might live. I mean really, who would want to cease to exist for the sake of a drug dealer, adulterer or thief?

     Let's read the surrounding verses with that oh so familiar Romans quote. "For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him."

That is love. I am that person; that drunk man, that sinner that would be hard to die for. My pride gives me up. It proves I'm a scoundrel. I steal time, money and service from people who have legitimate needs. I withhold honor that belongs to the very Man who died for me, a sinner, and saved me from wrath. That truly is amazing grace.