Separated

Saving Private Ryan is an epic World War II war film that follows the search for James Ryan, the last surviving brother of four servicemen. The search is led by an army ranger captain named John Miller. Ryan is located, but on the return journey, Miller is gravely injured. As he dies, he whispers to Ryan, “Don’t waste this.” Ryan carried those words throughout his life. Years later, he broke down when he and his family visited Miller’s grave in Normandy. Through tears, he asked his wife, “Am I a good man?” He wanted his life to be significant, not wasted, for the man who had saved him.

The great promises of God are found throughout Scripture from the Old Testament to the New. And…so many of the promises are found in the beautiful poetry of the psalms. Today’s psalm promises that we are friends with God.

Early in life, we learn to live by standards. From our first report card to our SAT score to our annual job performance review, we strive to meet certain levels of achievement. Opportunities and career advancement often come about (or not) based on our accomplishments. But for the believer, how we stack up against others or a system of abstract ideals is not enough. God himself is our standard.

We are sinners, and our sin separates us from God. The penalty of our sin is death. But driven by perfect love, the just God became the Justifier. Being fully God, Jesus was the only One who could provide a sinless sacrifice.

Jesus is the Prophet. We are called to read his Word, listen to what he says, and do what he tells us to do.

We know that God is working through all the circumstances of our lives. We are confident that God will complete the good work He has started in us. In one word . . . we, the sons and daughters of God, are . . . rich!