Fall short

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, - Romans 3.21-23

It was the 21st of March 2009. The setting was the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It was classic game of 6 Nations rugby. Ireland had not won a Grand Slam since 1948, but here they were on the cusp of victory as they led 17-15 as the clock ticked on to and passed the 80th minute. Welsh outside-half Stephen Jones lined up for a penalty kick from the halfway line. The stadium was hushed and Irish and Welsh fans held their breaths as the ball took off to the post. It tumbled end over and end and it looked like it was going to make it…but it fell short. Almost – but not enough.

So what does such a glorious day for Irish rugby have to do with a devotional thought?

Its just this – that kick. It soared high, good and true. It was a great effort, but it fell short of the target. That kick is a great example of what we see in Romans 3.23. No matter how well fought, no matter how close, no matter how on line a man’s life is, no matter how close it is always going to fall short of God’s target. God’s target is perfection and no one is every going to achieve it. Jones would have been just as successful at winning the game if he had flubbed the kick off the side of his foot.

We can’t make it. So what is our hope? Our only hope is in Christ for He is the only One that can reach that goal of perfection.

All have sin had fallen short of God’s glory…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.