Day: May 11, 2026

1 Samuel 23-24

Psalm 50

Romans 7

-Devotion by Sarah (Blanchard) Johnson (MN)

Anyone else out there a rubric fan?  You know, someone who absolutely LOVES a rubric… an exact description on how to get that A+… As a student, I would get so much joy in having a clear answer as to how to get 100% in class.  If I knew the expectation, I could ensure I did exactly the right amount of work to meet the standard.  The Israelites had the law as their rubric.  The problem was, the law was essentially impossible to follow in its entirety to “get an A” with God.  Enter, Jesus.

In Romans 7 Paul describes how the law interacts with sin and God’s grace.  Though Jesus had already fulfilled the law, Paul is reiterating how the law still carries value when it comes to experiencing life and deliverance through Jesus Christ.  How exactly does this work?  It is through the law that sin is revealed in our lives – the law recognizes sin as sin, which is ultimately death (v.13).  Sin is what keeps us from life, and if we do not know what sin is, how will we know what to avoid or rid ourselves of?  

Paul’s personal confession provides a vulnerable look at the reality we ultimately all experience – “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (v.18).  Even with a rubric, Paul was incapable of rising to the standard due to the sinful nature in his own life.  This is the same for every Christian in all of history!  Even at our closest to perfection, we are simply never going to be above a C average.  

BUT, thanks be to GOD, who delivers us through Jesus Christ our Lord (v. 25)!  

From my perspective, this is the tension that every Christian walk holds: I am a sinner, yet I am redeemed.  There must be humility and confidence in my identity; the recognition of the death that comes from sin allows for the opportunity of salvation through my Savior.  These seemingly conflicting truths are our reality as born-again Christ followers.  Thanks be to God indeed!

Reflection Questions:

1. As a Christian, what then is our response to the reality of these truths?  Looking to Paul as an example, it seems to start with gratitude!  How can you practice this today?
2. Reflecting on Paul’s vulnerability in verses 18-23, have you experienced similar feelings?  How have you reminded yourself of God’s grace in these moments? 

Prayer:

Dear God – You are worthy of all my praise. Thank You for Your holy, just and good law that shows us what sin and death is. Thank You for loving us even when we were stuck at a C average, or worse. Thank You for the new union You provided for us, to Your Son Jesus whom You raised from the dead. Help me to live each day in the newness of the Spirit, bearing fruit for You.