"God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset
to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his
Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the
original and intended shape of our lives there in him." Romans 8:29 (MSG)
Alexander III, Tsar of Russia wasn't popular. He reigned for thirteen years
(1881-1894) with an iron hand, especially against Jews. He persecuted anyone he
didn't like, and his favorite destination for them was Siberia.
His wife, Maria Fedorovna, was the exact opposite. She cared for the ones her
husband oppressed.
One day she discovered an order that condemned a prisoner for life in Siberia.
He had written: "Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia." Maria had the
opportunity to change the lot of that poor prisoner. She moved the comma in
Alexander's order. It now read: "Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia."
We too were condemned for a grim destination. All of us have erred greatly. We
have done many stupid things during our lives. The evil one accuses that we
don't merit pardon, and he is right. He just like the Tsar Alexander III.
Our Heavenly Father doesn't concur with this evil intent. He, too, moved the
coma, so that pardon became the most important word for us to remember. It cost
Him, yes, for Jesus took the brunt of our sins so that we could be truly free
for eternity. Our destiny is no longer Siberia, for our Heavenly Father accepts
us as His own sons and daughters. He wants us to be part of his household.
"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it-we're called
children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't
recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's
up to." 1 John 3:1 (MSG) It's all thanks to Jesus, who loved us beyond
imagination, who was willing to sacrifice his own life so that we could be truly
free. Jesus' resurrection on the third day is our guarantee that His
promises will come true!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
"Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is
custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now
obsolete." Colossians 3:10 (MSG)
Isn't this exciting? We have a bright future in
the Kingdom of our Heavenly Father, no matter what happens to us!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.