Pastor Stephen Dedman

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6‬:‭23‬

Romans 6:23 sums up the fundamental truth of the gospel—the reality of sin and its consequences, contrasted with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In this verse, the apostle Paul presents a difference between two paths: one leading to death and the other to life.

Paul begins by acknowledging the reality of sin and its consequences. Sin is not just a minor infraction; it is a serious offense against a holy and righteous God. The wages, or the payment, for sin is death—not only physical death but also spiritual separation from God for all eternity. Sin leads to brokenness, pain, and ultimately, eternal separation from God.

Next, Paul introduces a message of hope and redemption—the gift of God. Unlike wages earned through labor, a gift is freely given, unearned and undeserved. God, in His infinite love and mercy, offers the gift of eternal life to humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ. This gift is made available to all who believe in Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

The gift of eternal life is not merely an extension of our earthly existence; it is life in its fullest and truest sense, a life characterized by an intimate relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God, forgiven of our sins, and adopted into His family as His beloved children. Eternal life is not just a future hope; it begins the moment we place our faith in Jesus and continues for all eternity.

The gift of eternal life demands a response from us. We cannot earn this gift through our own efforts; it is purely by God’s grace. However, we must respond to God’s offer of salvation with faith and repentance. We must acknowledge our need for a Savior, turn away from our sin, and place our trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.

Let us respond to this gift with humility, gratitude, and obedience, living each day in light of the hope and assurance it brings.

Pray

Lord, thank You for the gift of eternal life. Help me to grasp the magnitude of this gift and to live in response to Your grace and mercy. Help me turn away from sin and embrace the abundant life You offer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭7‬:‭37‬

In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf and mute man. Some people brought the man to Jesus, begging Him to heal him. Jesus took the man aside, touched his ears and tongue, looked up to heaven, sighed deeply, and said, “Ephphatha,” which means “Be opened.” Immediately, the man’s ears were opened, and his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. The people were amazed at this miraculous healing, acknowledging that Jesus indeed does all things well.

This account of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man teaches us some valuable lessons:

1. Jesus Is Compassionate: Jesus’ response to the man’s condition reveals His deep compassion for the suffering. He takes the time to personally attend to the man’s needs, showing that He cares about every aspect of our lives, including our physical ailments.
2. Jesus Is Powerful: The miraculous healing of the deaf and mute man demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness and infirmity. His mere touch and spoken word are enough to bring about complete restoration and wholeness. This reminds us that there is nothing too difficult for Jesus, and He has the power to overcome any obstacle in our lives.
3. Jesus Is Worthy Of Praise: The people’s response to the miraculous healing is one of astonishment and praise. They recognize that Jesus has done all things well and acknowledge His greatness. As believers, we are called to praise the Lord, acknowledging God’s wonderful works in our lives and giving Him the glory He deserves.

Pray

Lord, thank You for Your miraculous works. I praise You for Your compassion and power to heal and restore. Help me to have faith, knowing that You are able to do all things well. I give You the praise and glory You deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.