Day 295: Jeremiah 5-7; 1 Timothy 1

"This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:15-16, CSB)

One of my spiritual heroes, John Wesley, was known to say: "I the chief of sinners am, but Jesus died for me."  John Newton (Amazing Grace) also said, "One thing I know, I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior." Life's spiritual giants stayed rooted in their calling and mission because they did not forget from whence they came. They did not live in their past, or wallow in their guilt and shame, but they could never forget God's great grace. This saved them all from being 'holier than thou' and reminded them that all of life in this faith of ours is a journey into Christ-likeness. He is the measure of our faith. The good news is, that by His 'extraordinary patience' He is demonstrating His determination to finish in all of us the good work He started, and to include us in His commitment to reach the world.

No wonder Paul breaks out into doxology: "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17, CSB).