God Knows

I have a confession to make. I added verse 14 to the reading for today. How could the lectionary people leave it out?

This verse is a great source of comfort for me. I am a sinner and I know it. I fall short of God’s expectations each and every day, and I know it. I wrestle with my sin as Jacob wrestled with the “man” at the river Jabbok, but unlike Jacob, I don’t prevail. I cry out with brother Paul, “O wretched man that I am.” What makes it all the worse is that I am a pastor. I expect better from myself. How can God use a sinner like me?

Then I remember this verse. God knows how we are made, remembers that we are dust. God made us, for heaven’s sake. Of course, God knows. But there is more: God forgives, does not hold our sins against us, fills us with the power of the Holy Spirit to keep us in the one true faith. In other words, God fights for us, roots for us, and praise the Lord, will bring us to completion on the day of Jesus Christ.

So, I am a sinner. So, I am a saint. But best of all, I am a beloved child of God.

Remember me, O God, and save me for Jesus' sake. Amen. — DAB