A driver damaged a parked car in a... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:5

A driver damaged a parked car in a major city. He simply left a note and fled the scene. An inscribed napkin hanging on the windshield of the damaged car read, “Sorry! Had to swerve and am short on cash at the moment,” adorned with a sad emoji.

Well, the stranger said three things: 1. I’m sorry ... 2. I know how the damage was done ... 3. I’m aware that the damage has to be paid. Let’s add to this that he was honest. But did that absolve him, erasing his guilt? Would the police let him go if they found him because he showed remorse, admitted the guilt and could also explain what had happened? Hardly!

Now let’s imagine that I’m standing before God at the end of my life. And He shows me my transgressions: my hatred, my pride, my hurtful words, and my unclean thoughts. Will it be enough for me to say to Him, in retrospect, “Sorry. I’m really sorry”? Or whether He will accept me if I can explain the situation to Him – why I lied, stole or hurt people, why I evaded taxes or broke my marriage – especially since the blame doesn’t lie with me alone? After all, my boss, my wife, my upbringing, my entire life situation contributed to it.

But if I can tell Him that although I am guilty, another, namely Jesus Christ, paid for my transgressions on the cross of Calvary – then I am saved! Then Jesus Himself has taken my place and has been punished for me. Then my guilt is forgiven and I am free!

Today’s reading: Daniel 5:13-31 · Acts 1:1-9