JUNE 30, 2014
The
Big Comeback
Read: 1
John 1
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —1
John 1:9
Chad Pennington is a
former American football player who has suffered multiple career-threatening
injuries. Twice, his injuries forced him to endure surgery, months of physical
therapy, and weeks of training to get back onto the field. Yet, both times he
not only returned to playing but he also excelled at such a high level that he
was named Comeback Player of the Year in the National Football League. For
Pennington, his efforts were an expression of his determination to return to
football.
Spiritually, when sin and
failure break our relationship with God and sideline our service, determination
alone is not what restores us to rightness with God and usefulness in His
kingdom. When we are sidelined because of sin, the path to a comeback is
confession as well. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive
us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
For us to be able to
recover from our spiritual failings, we are absolutely dependent on the One who
gave Himself for us. And that gives us hope. Christ, who died for us, loves us
with an everlasting love and will respond with grace as we confess our faults
to Him. Through confession, we can find His gracious restoration—the greatest
of all comebacks.
Just as I am, without one
plea,
But that Thy blood was
shed for me,
And that Thou bidd’st me
come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I
come. —Elliott
Confession is the path
that leads to restoration.
Insight
In today’s reading we see
how God has provided a gracious means of cleansing us from our personal sins
and reestablishing fellowship with God. It comes through confession of sin and
redirecting our choices to the path of obedience (1 John 1:9).
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
