That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us. (2 Corinthians 5:19)
Those are words I have read numerous times. But I was looking at a couple of Japanese translations today and they really struck me.
He reconciled the world to himself, not making them bear the reproach for their violations. (NJB, 2003 version)
He reconciled the world to himself, not making them bear the responsibility for their rebellion. (NJB, 2017 version)
That’s incredible to think about.
The world says, “You mess up, you have to bear the responsibility for that. You have to pay the price. You have to bear the shame.”
But Jesus bore the responsibility for my sin. He bore my shame.
I’m no longer chained to my past. He’s made all things new.
That’s the truth I’m reveling in today. And that’s the truth I want to share with those around me who are burdened by their sin and shame.
Lord, here I am. Send me.