JULY 8, Romans 2:4-6 

John, eight years old, loved small model cars. Every day after school, he would enter a minimart on his way home. Many students crowded the place to buy tidbits at this hour. The lady serving them was overwhelmed by the many small hands pushing money at her. So one day, John stretched forth his hand quickly, took a car and pocketed it. No one in the crowd noticed. So he continued this sin of stealing for a month until he was caught.

Children, do you know that every sin deserves death? If John had been struck dead after stealing his first car, he would be a strong warning to all of us.

Why doesn’t God strike you and I dead and send us to hell the moment we sin?

Paul said it was because of the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering, God is giving us time to realize our sins and repent and find forgiveness through Jesus Christ. He is not willing that we should perish but to have eternal life.

But when we continue sinning, it means two things:
1. We are despising the goodness of God
2. We are storing up against ourselves the WRATH of God.

This was the case with the Jews. Paul warned the Jews strongly not to incur God’s fierce anger (wrath). The Psalmist trembled as he thought of God’s anger in Psalms 76:7, “Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?”

Dear children, Paul’s words warn you today. If you have sinned, stop that sin immediately. Repent and ask God to forgive you. He has given Jesus Christ to take your place and face His wrath in your place. Believe on Him and thou shalt be saved. Once you are God’s children, you will have victory over sin.

Thought: The church would be empty if we die each time we sin!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your longsuffering towards me, a great sinner. May I be thankful and stop sinning against You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.