Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with my mind I am a slave to the law of God, but with my flesh I am a slave to the law of sin.” vss. 24-25
Romans 7:21-25
Like one of the psalmists of old, Paul lifts up his voice in a painful lament. Sounding like a golfer who has just ripped his first tee shot out-of-bounds he cries, “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” He has found no solution to his dilemma–he simply won’t be able to live as he desires. But in the midst of his pain he gives thanks to God! What has happened to Paul? Well, it seems pretty obvious. He has realized that he is both saint and sinner wrapped up in one person, and that this is how it’s going to remain for the rest of his days. That insight remains the best way for us to understand the struggle that each of us endure as we seek to walk faithfully in the Way of Jesus. Every day we will deal with the “what ifs” and the “should have beens.” Of course we will stumble, and Christ will lift us up! Of course we will wander, and Christ will show us the way! Oh how blessed we are to have a God who does not count our out-of-bounds against us, and who continually showers us with steadfast love and mercy!
Thought for the Day: What lifts me when I’m feeling my worst?
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