I got my first speeding ticket in twenty years. It was 1:00 in the morning, and I had just entered yet another construction zone in Indiana. The signs all said "Speed Limit 45 While Flashing." And none of them were flashing. Then suddenly I was passing one that WAS flashing. I quickly dropped out of cruise control, which I always set for 2 - 3 mph above the limit. And that's when the beautiful red & blue flashing lights appeared: 68 in a 45 zone.
I wanted to argue--"You don't understand! I never speed! I didn't realize that the construction speed limit was in effect! I was already slowing down, and I would have been at the legal limit if you had just given me a bit more time!" But I really didn't have a reasonable defense. I was clearly breaking the law, the law was right, and I was clearly at fault.
As I waited impatiently for the patrolman to write out my ticket, I realized that I was living a parable. I had just been praying for people I know who haven't yet trusted Jesus with their lives. And now I sat going over the same arguments that they may one day have: "You don't understand! I didn't realize! If you had just given me a bit more time!" And yet I knew that I was clearly at fault, and although I didn't like the judge's verdict, I knew that it was just and that the penalty was well deserved.
I am forever grateful that Jesus has paid my penalty, and that one day I won't get what I deserve.
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