Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: From Law to Grace A Heart of Flesh 8/20 -8/27/26 (08/20/26)
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TITLE: Chapel Messenger | Previous Challenge Entry
By Steve Rosas
08/27/26 -
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“Today’s chapel message is being presented by Professor Greenfield from the Biblical Studies Department. As you see, he is dressed as a character from the Bible. I am not sure who he is portraying but am told that it will be revealed part-way through the presentation. Without further ado, here is today’s message.”
“Good morning and thank you for your time and attention.
“Although my name only appears in Scripture 11 times, I think that you all know my story. It lies at the heart of Scripture. As I will explain, it bridges both the Old and New Testaments. My story is so crucial to the message of Scripture that all four gospel writers mention me.
“My purpose today is to impress upon you two important things. The first thing that I want to get across is how unworthy I am to receive God’s grace. In fact, of all the people mentioned in the Bible, I may be the person that least deserves that God’s grace. If are thinking that everyone needs God’s grace, you are correct. However, the Scripture contains many accounts of people that are particularly evil. For reasons that I do not understand, my name is not usually on that list. You would probably think of many people before you thought of me. Adam and Eve, who brought sin into the world. Cain- who killed his own brother. Jezabel who openly defied God. The Pharoah of Egypt, who oppressed God’s chosen people. How about Jonah, who was a prophet of God, but went the opposite direction from where God told him to go? Maybe Herod, who ordered the execution of babies to try to stop God’s kingdom? The pharisees and Sadducees? Pontious Pilot? Judas?
“Sadly, I consider myself less deserving of grace than any of them. Why is that? All the people I mentioned suffered consequences or were called out for their evil hearts and disobedience. I suffered no consequences and when people think of me, they don’t remember my crimes. Yet, I was a convicted criminal. I had been sentenced to death, but I paid no price. During Passover week, I was the one that was spared from death. However, unlike the children of Israel, I made no sacrifice. I was set free when the One with no fault took my place. He was whipped and abused instead of me. He hung on the cross that was made for me. I am Barnabus.
“On that fateful day, Jesus died for me. I had not confessed my guilt. I had no remorse. I showed Him no gratitude. I rejoiced in my freedom without a thought of the cost that was paid. I celebrated my good fortune. I was carefree. I embraced my future and did not look back. I did not appreciate the consequences of what Christ did for me. The crowd that earlier that week had lauded Him as Hosanna, now called out my name- and I let them. I relished in the acclaims of men, rather than humble myself before the Messiah. Every day that I lived beyond that day, I owed to Him, but I was oblivious to His intervention. I gave it no thought. This was not a bargain- this was a gift that I was not and am not worthy to receive. My heart of flesh was so hardened that I was blind to His love for me.
“When I started this talk, I mentioned that there were two important points. As I mentioned, the first objective was to show how unworthy I am to receive God’s grace. The second point is this- In case you did not recognize it, my story is your story. Jesus took my place, but He also took yours. He bore your sins. He died- for you. He loved You before You knew that He existed. You are no more worthy of God’s grace than I.
“What happened to me? The Scripture does not say, and I will not be telling you that today. The more important questions are for you. Will you acknowledge His gift? Will you rush through life and focus on yourself, or will you stop and thank the One that took your place? Will you recognize that every single day that you have on Earth is from Him?”
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