Romans 5:11
[11] More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (ESV)
The young man had just turned eighteen years old. It was a hot summer day and his older brother suggested they take a ride to the corner store and get some cold drinks. As they brought their sodas up to the counter something happened that shocked him and changed his life forever. The older brother pulled out a gun and demanded the cashier give him all the money in the cash drawer.
The police would arrive shortly. The older brother was long gone. He had taken the small amount of money that was in the cash drawer. On his way out he shot the elderly man behind the counter and shoved the gun in his brother's hands. When the police arrived seconds later they found the young man with a gun and fate was set into motion.
Twenty long years was the sentence. This young man who had his whole life ahead of him had his life taken away by several acts of injustice. Then one day the police discovered new evidence that cleared the accused of any guilty charges. He had served ten long years, but now he was to be reconciled with his family and be given a chance to live the life he dreamed of.
Imagine how he must have rejoiced to be given this chance at freedom. I want you to catch something here. Paul says that we rejoice in God because we have received reconciliation through Jesus Christ. If the innocent rejoice at reconciliation how much more should we rejoice? We are not innocent! Christ reconciled the ungodly, the guilty, the sinner. Oh how we should rejoice!
You were imprisoned in your sin. Christ enters the prison cell of your wasted life and says, "I am busting you out of here. Simply accept my gift of freedom by confessing your sin and following me." Should you not live a daily life of rejoicing?
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