3 Day Devotional: Dear Good People - Day 3

Scripture
Romans 7:24-25a (NRSV)
"Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

Reflection
Most people think of themselves as good people. We work hard, care for our families, help our neighbors, and try to do the right thing. If we're honest, many of us hope that our goodness counts for something.

Paul's journey in Romans 7 leads him to a startling conclusion. After examining his good intentions and good effort, he stops making excuses and faces the truth. He does not blame his circumstances or compare himself to others. Instead, he cries out, "Wretched man that I am!"

Surprisingly, that moment is not the end of hope. It is the beginning of it.

The gospel begins when we stop trusting our goodness and start trusting God's goodness. Paul does not ask what can rescue him. He asks who can rescue him. The answer comes immediately: Jesus Christ.

What Paul's intentions could not do, Christ has done. What Paul's effort could not accomplish, Christ accomplished. The righteousness we could never achieve has been provided through Him.

Dear good people, the good news is not that God found good people and rewarded them. The good news is that Christ came for people who could not save themselves.

Today, stop trusting in your righteousness and rest in His. Trust the One who is good.

Reflection Questions
1. Where are you tempted to place confidence in your own goodness?
2. Why is it difficult to admit your need for a Savior?
3. How does Christ's righteousness give you peace today?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for rescuing me when I could not rescue myself. Forgive me for trusting in my own goodness. Help me rest in Your finished work and rejoice in Your grace. Teach me to live each day confident in You alone. Amen.