What's at Stake

July 8, 2023

Sin can be defined as “missing the mark.”

Not now, Lord. I’ve got a big horseshoes tournament today. Let me concentrate.

Do your best to aim for the goal.

Lord, I’m aiming for the stake, right there in the middle of the pit. That’s my goal. And I’m not going to miss the mark, if I can help it.

But you have missed the mark, and you will again. ‘For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.’

Okay, I’ve never pitched a perfect game. I can’t get a ringer every time. I’d settle for hitting the mark every other time. People consider that a really good pitcher.

And you’ve never had a perfect day. You’ve missed the mark, time and time again.

Hey, I’m pretty good, thank you! I’m human, which is not perfect, which is missing the mark sometimes. Could I please get back to horseshoes? I’ve got to get mentally prepared. I need to focus on the top of the stake, step firmly toward the middle of the opposite pit, and follow through with my hand high.

If you don’t follow through you’ll miss the mark. You have trouble with that.

Yeah, I do. I’ve got to concentrate, Lord.

That’s the trouble. You don’t follow through. You don’t stay focused long enough on hitting the mark.

At least we agree on that. I guess you know horseshoes, Lord.

I know about humans and sin.

Maybe, God, you’d be satisfied if I hit the mark every time in this tournament today.

You won’t, and nobody else will. But I’ve paid the price for everyone missing the mark, by my death on the cross. Will you tell someone that there is forgiveness for sin?

I will, Lord. Maybe I’ll use horseshoes as a way to say it It’s a language they understand.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20