Frankly, I am heavy hearted. No matter how hard I may try to make ends meet, this summer looks quite unpromising with the rent, various bills, auto insurance, and most of all, the outstanding due of my tuition for 2021-2022.
This, however, is a perfect teachable moment for myself:
Ask this “What if” question: What if I find out that a generous man has paid all my rent, bills, insurance, and my tuition? The answer is clear. I would leap with joy of relief from being released from the tyranny of money. Now listen to what the Apostle Paul has to say:
“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14 NASB)
My certificate of debt of my transgressions is much more serious than my bills. My outstanding bills are intimidating but they can (and will) be paid off. But my certificate of debt before God was too immense to be handled by myself. The unbelievably great news that God has freed me from this bondage by canceling out the certificate of debt is a great reminder for me to rejoice. It is finished because of the perfect work of Christ. That’s why Paul says that this liberation (setting free, ἀπολύτρωσις) is in Christ (Rom 3:24).
Again, my heart is still a bit heavy because of my outstanding bills. But my heart rejoices because my impossible-to-pay-off bill of my sins has been completed taken care of by the Son of God.
(Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya, Unsplash)
