The Foremost Sinner
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1 Timothy 1:12-17 NASB
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I don’t know about you, but every so often I receive a wake-up call from God! That’s what Paul is describing to Timothy. Paul didn’t know he was sinning – I guess if you don’t know it, it’s not really a sin, is it? Once he was saved, though, he looked back over his life and probably felt, in that moment of realization, as if the air was being sucked out of his lungs. I imagine him falling to his knees, sobbing in despair. And for the rest of his life, he worked double and triple what others did in order to make up for the lost years.
That’s probably why Paul seems somewhat strident in his delivery sometimes. Part of that element of his message is due to his sense of urgency, but I imagine, also his deep regret. His presentation reflects his own woundedness as well as his ardent desire for the other walking wounded to hear the Good News. I’m sure he felt remorse and stood in awe of the truth that in spite of everything he had done, he was forgiven and washed clean; made new and redeemed.
There is hope. There is peace. There is eternal life! And all are offered at no charge! How often are you brought to your knees by this truth? How often does God’s gift of salvation, granted us through Jesus Christ, take your breath away? Speaking only for myself: Not nearly often enough! Again, speaking only for myself, it’s all too easy to become self-righteous, harsh, even condemning. It’s all too easy to forget that, like Paul, I am a sinner, and among the foremost of all. I found mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience.
That is a tremendous responsibility! And one that is not easy to bear because it requires a high degree of self-awareness. In my case, I have a husband and close friends who call me to task when I stray too far in the direction of the Pharisees and other religious zealots. And sometimes I find myself sitting in a meeting room in a prison, offering company to prisoners there for a bible study or worship service. Sometimes my wake up call is more subtle. How about you? How does God get your attention and remind you of your own brokenness and sinfulness?
The question I continue to ask – others and especially myself is this – how can we help but be on fire considering all that is offered and all those who still need to hear the Good News! How?
My prayer today is that you join me in spreading the Good News. And that we rejoice in the truth that though we are among the foremost sinners, we are washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ.
Mary
