by Desiree Bustamante

Lovingly renovated by the blood of Christ.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this SoundCloud link.

“And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:9-11 New Living Translation

When an old car has lost its luster after many years of use, it is often banished to a junkyard to rust away. But sometimes a car enthusiast sees the possibilities of what the old car could still be if some investment was made. After a lot of time and money spent locating and installing the right engine parts, meticulously renovating the upholstery and reconstructing the body, the car is transformed. The restorer has such pride in the car’s makeover that the work of art is displayed at car shows so others may enjoy its newfound beauty.

We were banished to eternal destruction because of our sin and brokenness. But God loved us so much that He didn’t even spare His own Son to salvage our relationship with Him. We are made anew in the Lamb’s blood that washes away all the decay and rust of our sin. All this newness of our hearts is made possible because God loves us, simply because we are His precious children.

When others see how we have been restored by God’s great love, they will want to experience the love God has for them, too. So, share with someone during this Lenten season how God restored you through Christ’s sacrifice to a new and wonderful relationship with Him. And rejoice that you are cherished today!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado