"Declared Righteous"
August 3, 2016
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD: "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:18
All of my grandchildren have gone through a Lego stage.
While not officially recognized as part of the maturing process, the overwhelming desire to snap small, multi-colored blocks together seems to be almost a universal feeling.
One thing I didn't know until recently is there are folks who never outgrow their Lego obsession. What that means is when we discover the opposite sex and fast cars, they are still snapping those blocks.
If they get good enough, in adulthood these people, now called "artists," can set aside the plans which come in the Lego boxes and get creative. They can substitute their own ideas and concepts, which they bring to life using those little blocks.
From what I've seen on the web and at Lego museums, there is nothing beyond the eye and hands of these Lego artists. Case in point: recently a Chinese artist named Zhao spent three days putting together a Lego sculpture of Nick Wilde, a character in the Disney movie called "Zootopia."
Those folks who follow Lego art say the large sculpture was worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $15,000. Please note that I am most selective when I say the sculpture was worth that almost unbelievable figure.
I say that because about an hour after the sculpture was set up at the Lego Expo in China a child came by and knocked it over. Knocked it over and sent Legos flying all over the place. The news media says the Lego art was "irreparable."
Understandably, the artist was greatly upset. Even so, he turned down the boy's apologetic parents when they offered to make restitution for the damage that had been done. His comment on the occasion was a simple "The child did not intend to break it."
I don't know if most people would be so forgiving about such a disaster.
On the other hand, I do know that the Lord has shown His willingness to forgive the sinners of the world. Because His Son carried our sins to the cross and paid the ransom price necessary to win our forgiveness, the Lord erases our sins.
That includes the big sins, the little ones, the known sins, and those which are never recalled or recognized. Because of the Savior, the Lord forgets our guilt and declares us righteous and free of all condemnation.
That, when you think about it, is better than saying, "They didn't mean it."
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I always give thanks that You have forgiven my sins through Your Son's sacrifice. Then, as Your forgiven child, may I lead a life that shows my gratitude and appreciation. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.
