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Powerlessness - October 12, 2006
Chicago's Midway Airport affords a special flying experience for travelers. The airport is completely and closely surrounded by the city. If a plane is on approach or takeoff, there is no place to set down if there is a power failure. All the souls on board are completely dependent on the power output of the engines.
As a passenger, I am powerless. If I stand and flap my arms, I have no effect on the plane's motion. Passengers must conclude that they are powerless to make it fly or keep it in the air. If you want to enjoy the flight and reap the benefits, you are better off to admit you're powerless.
Paul made the benefits of admitting your personal powerlessness crystal clear to the Romans. The sin we are born with handicaps us so that we cannot possibly save ourselves from the penalty of our sin and unbelief. "When we were still powerless, Christ died for" us (v. 6). Verse 8 continues the explanation by saying God's love was demonstrated while we were still sinners.
Admit your powerlessness and accept the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers you through His personal sacrifice for you.
Contributed by Michael Ullrich: [email protected] Michael has served in pastoral ministry since 1979. His weekly devotional column appears in numerous newspapers, magazines and online publications, as well as on his Web site. He and his wife, Bonita, have seven children.
Chicago's Midway Airport affords a special flying experience for travelers. The airport is completely and closely surrounded by the city. If a plane is on approach or takeoff, there is no place to set down if there is a power failure. All the souls on board are completely dependent on the power output of the engines.
As a passenger, I am powerless. If I stand and flap my arms, I have no effect on the plane's motion. Passengers must conclude that they are powerless to make it fly or keep it in the air. If you want to enjoy the flight and reap the benefits, you are better off to admit you're powerless.
Paul made the benefits of admitting your personal powerlessness crystal clear to the Romans. The sin we are born with handicaps us so that we cannot possibly save ourselves from the penalty of our sin and unbelief. "When we were still powerless, Christ died for" us (v. 6). Verse 8 continues the explanation by saying God's love was demonstrated while we were still sinners.
Admit your powerlessness and accept the forgiveness Jesus Christ offers you through His personal sacrifice for you.
Contributed by Michael Ullrich: [email protected] Michael has served in pastoral ministry since 1979. His weekly devotional column appears in numerous newspapers, magazines and online publications, as well as on his Web site. He and his wife, Bonita, have seven children.
