MAY 21, Romans 5:19

There was much excitement as Jack and several family members watched a plane taxi to a stop. Jack’s Uncle Dan and Aunt Mary were returning to Singapore after their first mission term. Everyone was eager to see their little son, Benjamin, who had been born in Africa. When the families finally got together, Jack stood back while the grownups greeted one another. Then Uncle Dan turned toward him. “And this must be little Jack,” said Uncle Dan, “but you’re not so little anymore, are you?” “I’m ten years old,” Jack proudly told Uncle Dan.

Uncle Dan grinned. “Yes, you’ve grown up while we were gone,” he said. “I see you have your father’s eyes.” Jack’s mother pointed to the little boy Aunt Mary was holding. “And your son looks just like you, Dan,” observed Mom. “Yes.” Uncle Dan laughed joyfully. “He’s my boy!”

Driving home that night, Jack fired off a stream of questions. “How did I get Dad’s eyes?” he asked. “And why does Benjamin look like Uncle Dan?” “Kids inherit certain things from their parents—like their size or the color of their hair and eyes,” replied Jack’s older sister, Meg. “You inherited your dad’s big eyes, and Benjamin inherited his dad’s straight hair. We can inherit other kinds of things, too—like a talent for music or an interest in building things. Right, Dad?”

“Right. And something we all inherit is Adam’s sinful nature,” said Dad. “That’s because we’re all descendants of Adam, the first man God created, isn’t it?” Meg asked. “And that’s why we all sin?” Dad nodded.

“Oh, that’s not good, is it?” exclaimed Jack. He knew that to sin meant to do something wrong.

“You’re right,” agreed Dad, “but because Jesus lived a perfect life and died to take the punishment for our sins, we can have them forgiven. If we accept Jesus as Savior, we become children of God. Then we’re part of His family, and we become more and more like Him as we follow His teaching.” Jack nodded. “And that’s good,” he said solemnly. “It’s good to be like Jesus.”

Thought: Did you know you inherited a sinful nature through the first man - Adam?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that when I was born, I received that sinful nature through Adam, who is my ancestor. As a result, I sinned but thank You so much that since I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I’m now part of God’s family forever! Thank you in Jesus’ name, amen.