Observation: As Paul juxtaposes Adam and Jesus, he arrives at this summary, that the juxtaposition is about their single acts of trespass versus righteousness. But what were those single acts?
For Adam, we know the 'original sin' was NOT eating an apple. Rather, it was the desire to actively seek one's own definition of knowledge of good and evil. It was this pursuit - to makes oneself like God in the area of defining what is right and wrong - that is the act of trespass.
For Jesus then, the act of righteousness is not his everyday perfection and repeated love for many. It is his one act of sacrifice. Paul himself calls the crucifixion one of the most illogical ideas ever. It was in that moment that God personified did something that was had no logical outcome that was self-fulfilling. Instead, it was an act of fully surrendering to the Lord, without knowledge or understanding. In that moment, Jesus truly declared "but not mine but your will be done" and allowed whatever God thought was right to transpire.
That one act of righteousness created the only possible scenario for his resurrection, and it is by faith in Jesus as Messiah - evidenced by the resurrection - that we find justification, grace, forgiveness, and eternal life.
Observation: I am reminded daily that I should not be personally seeking truth, knowledge, understanding, or even 'good'. These are not mine to define and determine, and thus I really should not judge anything against my standard for these characteristics. Instead, I should simply seek the will of the Lord, guided by the Holy Spirit. This is righteousness.
Prayer: Lord, I do seek your will, your purpose, your direction, and your wisdom today. By the Holy Spirit I desire to know you better, and to know what you would have me do. I know I am a problematic believer at best, often deep in my own flawed thoughts. May I find your patience and forgiveness this day, and may I instead walk your path, holding your hand, in humility. Amen.
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