And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:11 (ESV)
Lord Jesus, the preceding verses give a laundry list of those who will not taste of Your kingdom. Yes, I am grateful that when I look at my sin bag I am not carrying most of them. Yet, truth be told, I have been guilty of some of them. And worse, You specifically said if I think it I am as guilty as if I have done it (Matthew 5:27-28). Have mercy!
What blows my mind about this verse today is that it begins with those six words: “And such were some of you.” Were. Used to be. And then You say, “But.” But I was washed! But I was sanctified! But I was justified in Your Name! Through the cleaning of the Spirit of God my slate was wiped clean, my debt fully paid, my soul redeemed. I am no longer defined by my past, condemned by my sins. When the Father sees me He sees YOU! I am clothed in Your righteousness. Glory!
I thank You for Your unspeakable love for me. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude I have towards You. Thank You for seeing me wallowing in my sin, having compassion on me, and loving me in spite of me, enough to die for me. Thank You for seeing a better future for me, one that is defined by my relationship with You and not by my merit.
Help me to walk today in a manner worthy of calling You have placed on my life, loving as I have been loved, giving as I have been given to, sacrificing as I have been sacrificed for (Philippians 2:1-8). Enable me to shine my light that the world might see its Source to Your glory! Amen!