Some time ago I read a story about President Thomas Jefferson who went on a horseback ride with some friends. Their scenic trip was interrupted when they came to a river with a fast moving current. The swollen river had washed the bridge away leaving each rider with the challenge of fording the river on horseback. Several riders plunged into the dangerous waters, fighting for their lives against the rapid currents. One of the riders was afraid and asked President Jefferson if he would ferry him across the river. Jefferson immediately agreed to do so. Jefferson expertly navigated the choppy waters and the two of them made it safely to the other side.
When the fellow slid off Jefferson's horse, a number of the other riders quickly asked, "Why did you select of all people the president to ask this favor of?" The fellow replied, "When I looked I saw on your faces the answer, 'no.' But when I looked on his face, I saw the answer 'yes'." He had a "yes" face.
Romans 5:1 reads, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." That is our Lord's "yes" to you!
Through Christ Jesus we have been set free from the guilt of sin and the power of death. That which would have brought about God's eternal condemnation has been removed by the Lord's sacrificial death and resurrection. In Christ there is forgiveness and new life. Live each day in the forgiving gaze of God the Father who says "yes" to you for the sake of His Son, your Savior.
