Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (NIV)

As I sit in my car, waiting to go to dress rehearsal for Easter, just a few days away as I write this, I’m praying and imagining what God is going to do. By the time you read this, we will have seen lives changed, the lost redeemed, marriages restored, and oh so many people publicly profess Jesus as their Savior through baptism.  

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How do I know this? Because our God is so, so good, and he loves our neighbors, friends, and families more than we could and more than we could ever imagine. And he is ON THE MOVE!!

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What is even crazier about all of this is that God would allow and even invite me into being a part of it. You see, the mere fact that I work in ministry is a testament to his love and immense patience. While I might not proclaim that I am the worst of sinners as readily as Paul did, I certainly have my own dark past and sins. Friends from my past must really shake their heads and wonder what the heck God is thinking.  

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But isn’t that the point?!?

Did you notice in Paul’s letter to Timothy the reason that Paul was shown mercy, despite his history of devastating sin? The reason was to display Christ’s immense patience – his longsuffering, endurance, and forbearance. So that “Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (emphasis mine).

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Paul was shown mercy, even though he persecuted those believing in Christ Jesus, to be an example for those yet to come. Many times, we think that the Bible is so mysterious and full of inexplicable stories, lessons, and commands. But right here, Paul lays it out so plainly: God had mercy on Paul to show his (God’s) longsuffering with his children so that we can be an example for others.  

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No matter what your past holds – the dark secrets, the sins – God wants to show you mercy. In fact, he’s not only waiting for you, but he’s also pursuing you, SO THAT even YOU can be an example to others. How beautiful that God would use the least of us to bring about restoration, redemption, and LIFE!!

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For those who may be reading this and not yet have let God forgive you – what better time than this? Jesus has risen so that in him, you can have abundant life and be an example for those around you.  

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For those of you walking with Christ, I challenge you to really examine what longsuffering God endured for you and praise him for that. It might just bring you to your knees, and that’s a beautiful place to be – resting in the goodness of your Savior.

Oh, Holy Father – You are so, so good. You are on the move, and I know we will have so many stories from Easter, and I thank you for letting me, a once lowly sinner and now a new creation, be a part of that with you. Your forgiveness is truly inexplicable, but what you are calling us to do is not. Help us to simply accept your forgiveness, that we might be an example for others who are feeling unworthy. I don’t pretend to fully understand your love and patience, but God, I’m so thankful for it. Thank you for your forgiveness. Thank you for all you did over Easter through us, your church. Thank you for your Son. In his name ~ AMEN!