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Dead End
In the Word
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Of the Word
There were few houses left on the rural road to the church. Once part of a prosperous farming community, it had served a large congregation. Now the road ended near the cemetery. County officials had erected a large sign: DEAD END. The sign generated moments of laughter, and some of deep thought.
Perhaps that sign should be placed in every cemetery as a reminder of St. Paul’s words … the wages of sin is death … (Romans 6:23a). God’s perfect law demands perfect obedience. The life of each sinner is a dead end. Thank God those words are not the end of the verse.
St. Paul goes on to write, … the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross has given us a free gift with no fine print included — eternal life in a heavenly home filled with unspeakable joy.
Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, whose death and resurrection assures that my last moment on earth will truly be a “living end.” In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: From Quiet Times to Noisy Love. Jan Struck, author. 10/30 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
