Thursday, March 12, 2015
2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
THE BUCK STOPS HERE
Harry Truman is one of my favorite U.S. presidents. Truman may not have been one of our greatest presidents, but he had a reputation of being a no nonsense sort of politician. On his desk in the White House was an engraved a sign which said "THE BUCK STOPS HERE." With that sign, President Truman was saying that he was willing to take responsibility for the mistakes he made instead of blaming others or making excuses.
As sinful people, we're not too good at taking personal responsibility for our sins. We find it easy to blame others or make excuses for all the times we break God's commandments.
There was a sign on our Savior's cross. In three languages it said, "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews." But there could just as well have been another sign, one that said, "THE BUCK STOPS HERE." Because that's where Jesus took full responsibility for all your sins, and for mine too. Are you tempted to make excuses? Don't! There's a much better way to get rid of sin's guilt. Solomon said, "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy" (Proverbs 28:13). Husband and wife, have you failed to put Jesus first, and one another before yourself? Come to the cross, Jesus has paid the price. Children, have you disobeyed your parents? Come to the cross. Young people, have you allowed lustful thoughts to occupy your mind? There is forgiveness, come to the cross. Older people, have you indulged in hateful words about your neighbor? Come to the cross. No matter what your offense, there is pardon for you here. We don't need an excuse for sin -- because God has provided us a SAVIOR from sin! "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us!"
