God Owes Us Nothing But Judgment

# 593 - Today's Du-votional comes from: Mr 10:28 “Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."

“Toot! Toot!” Listen to Peter toot his own horn. The very thing that Jesus had challenged the rich young ruler to do had indeed been done by these disciples. They had left their occupations, their families, for a life on the road following Jesus. (No mention by Peter though of selling their possessions and giving to the poor.) Isn't that just like you and I? We pick out maybe one item to which we have been obedient and think we have done it all! “Toot Toot!

Actually, quite the opposite is true. Jas 2:10 says, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” That little verse ought to keep all of us from patting ourselves on the back!

Make no mistake about this, Peter heard the Lord's promise to this rich young ruler about treasure in heaven and he wanted to remind the Lord that they were in line for it. Again, isn't that just like us? Peter views his following Christ as an action on his part that deserves a reward. It's the old spirit of works righteousness cropping up again in the flesh.

Remember friend, God owes nothing to sinners like us but judgment, but in His mercy, He overlooks our sins and gives us the kingdom through the merits of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Father, I know that works righteousness is always present in me, always wanting to break out, guard my heart against such folly, and let me ever be thankful for Your grace and mercy.