by Richelle Hecker

We’ve missed the mark!

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

Most of us do not wake up each morning determined to sin. It is my desire at the start of each day to honor and glorify God with all that I say and do. Yet, honest reflection at the end of each day enlightens me with truth. I am not perfect as my heavenly Father is perfect.

Many people think of sin as something we actively do, but the word sin means “missing the mark.” It is an archery term for missing the center of the target. Daily we can do our best, but we miss the mark of perfection.

I took this picture of my four month old son pulling the fruit bowl closer to himself. Those bright red apples were a temptation he could not resist! I gave him one to play with, but he wanted the whole bowl. I like the look of surprise on his face. He has no idea that trying to eat an apple, before he’s ready, could be dangerous. He doesn’t know that the glass bowl could fall and break. He got caught stealing apples, but has no idea as to the implications of his actions. He is innocent, but he has made an error.

There are times that we are surprised by our own capacity for sin. Paul writes, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 English Standard Version. This sentiment is true for most of us. We are compelled to do the very things we want to avoid. We don’t intend to sin, but we do.

I am thankful that though I cannot daily hit the mark of perfection, Christ did. He lived a perfect life and then paid the price for our sin.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24 English Standard Version

On this Good Friday, rejoice that Christ did what we could not do. Take time to thank Him for suffering the consequences of your sin so that you may live.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado