“He has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” — 2 Timothy 1:9
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The first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft is … Kevin Mercer? To say I’d be flabbergasted would be an understatement. I’m the same height as Darren Sproles, 50 pounds lighter and much slower. Besides, I haven’t played a down of organized football since eighth grade (although to be fair, I was a pretty good cornerback at the time).
There’s nothing I’ve done to earn the honor of being an NFL player, much less the No. 1 overall pick. I haven’t sweated through hours of practice or watched hours of film. I haven’t often skipped my after-dinner dessert or worried much at all about my 40-yard dash time.
My actions, or lack thereof, demonstrate that I’m not worthy of being a No. 1 overall pick, but still, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is calling my name. I’ve been given a lavish contract, showered with adoration at every turn, and had my name inked in the NFL history books.
That’s the Gospel.
Now, every analogy breaks down at some level, but I think you get the idea. I’ve been given an incredible gift. It’s a gift beyond what I ever thought I’d have and far beyond what I could ever work to deserve. Unmerited favor has been shown to me, and I get to experience all the benefits.
If you’re a follower of Christ, this is true for you too. God, from the overflowing abundance of His goodness, chose you out of the world to be His dearly beloved child. The Father sent His Son, Jesus, to live the life of perfect obedience that you couldn’t live and then to die the agonizing death that you deserve because of your sin.
You were dead in that sin, but because of the work Jesus accomplished on your behalf, you were made alive to God. You’ve been reconciled to Him, transformed, given a new heart. Now you get to enjoy the indescribable gift of communion with your Heavenly Father, from now until eternity.
The Bible tells us there’s nothing you’ve done or can do to deserve this gift of God’s grace, this unmerited favor. God has given salvation to you, and it’s irrevocable. Rejoice in this today and every day!
— Kevin Mercer
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