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1 John 1:1-2:2 We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
I was quite the marksman growing up. Growing in up in a small South Texas town, it was pretty much expected given our options and resources for entertainment. My grandfather, Carlos, showed me how to make a slingshot out of tree limbs, old shoes, huge rubber bands; all with using just one knife. He showed me how to select rocks for it, and how to aim, draw back, and release to hit my target. Sadly, I came to be one who enjoyed the slingshot, and later a very powerful BB gun. I was hitting all the wrong marks. As my fellowship with God and Jesus grew stronger, I realized I was missing the main mark; I was sinning to kill little animals for no reason. I still remember the day that standing on the street, I cocked my BB gun, aimed at something hopping in our alley, shot and killed what I found to be a bird. I dropped my rifle and never picked it up again. I realized there was a mark that I should be hitting; growing in my love and devotion to God.
It would be later in college and seminary in studies about sin that the basic definition of sin is missing the mark. Yes, we all sin, but the good news in this passage relating to life here and life eternal is that those who confess their sins are forgiven and the fellowship with God continues. Jesus' death was for the sins of the whole world. We represent Christ and should tell the whole world about this fellowship of life and love that is available to all.
PRAYER: Loving God, I confess I am a sinner and I have missed the mark; I ask for forgiveness and that You help me turn my life towards life and love, joy and peace. Help me to spread the news: Easter is not over, and it's all about You! I pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Risen Lord!
Eradio Valverde
