Lenten Devotional...February 24

"We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (II Corinthians 5:20b-21)

Paul gives us a unique perspective on the depth of God's willingness to bring redemption to his human creation. He tells us that Christ was willing to become the very thing that condemns us,,,sin. Now this does not identify Christ as a sinner. Indeed, the writer of the book of Hebrews reminds us that though Jesus was tempted in every way, he did not sin. Yet, Paul says that God "made him to be sin" for our sakes.

David Livingstone, nineteenth century Scottish missionary to Africa, wrote about the supposed sacrifices he had made for the gospel. "People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to our God, which we can never repay? I never made a sacrifice. Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us."

Livingstone died in a small African village in May, 1873. Though encouraged to return to great Britain to seek medical attention, he chose to remain among the people and country he adopted as a missionary for Christ. Some believe he died a martyr, unwilling to save himself if it meant leaving the people of Africa, yet he considered his sacrifices nothing when compared to the sacrifice Christ made in becoming sin "so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

We talk of sacrifice during this season, often in the context of the little things we will "give up" for Lent...chocolate, caffeine, movies, sports, etc. The sacrifice Paul talks about as Christ becomes sin for us exposes the arrogance of our tiny and momentary deprivations. Perhaps we would do well to hear Livingstone's words once more..."Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great sacrifice which He made who left His Father's throne on high to give Himself for us."

Prayer: Gracious Redeemer, Living Christ, who set aside perfection to become sin so that we might know righteousness through You, we give you thanks. Amen.

Jim Abernathy