Today’s Thought “It Takes A Thief” G. Ward

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.” Romans 8:3

It Takes A Thief was a television series that ran from 1968-1970 starring Robert Wagner. His character began as a cat burglar, seeking selfish gain by invading commercial and private institutions for high-end items. After being caught, a government faction embracing espionage, negotiated with him by offering him freedom if he would utilize his brilliant breaking and entering schemes for his country. In the days where the good guys would always win, perhaps that’s why it (the telecast) only lasted two years.

On today, I’m seeking to remind every listener to contemplate the expression, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Have you stolen anything? Perhaps you’re not a thief that would burglarize a retail outlet or someone’s home, but maybe your home or vehicle is loaded with company stationary, pens and the like? Could it be that your breaks exceed the mandated time slot? Are you guilty of not totally devoting yourself to your employment while there (like reading this devotional thought while at work)? All are plagued with some of these. Our scripture lesson text is antidotal. It negates our categorical defense in wrongdoing by portraying our fleshly deeds as inept and making Jesus’ atoning sacrifice as entirely sufficient.

When on today you encounter others not exemplifying gratefulness for such a gift as this (grace), please remember that their recall of this important set of facts may be temporarily impeded by selfish motives, or they just haven’t heard that Jesus truly paid the price and need you to shed greater clarity (cf. Mt.28:19-20).

Happy Tuesday!