MAY 21, Romans 5:19

There was much excitement as Jack and several family members watched as a plane taxied 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 was 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 colour 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 Saviour, 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. We no longer have the sinful nature. “And that’s good,” he said solemnly.

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

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for saving me. I am now part of Your family forever and no longer have a sinful nature! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.