Each Person Needs

Scripture References: Jeremiah 2:35; 3:13; Mark 10:13-17

While his studies led Nicolaus Copernicus from a geocentric to a heliocentric perception of the universe, he retained an unaltered personal faith in God. And, in a spiritual humility many modern scientists find unacceptably embarrassing, the great astronomer subordinated himself to the mercy Jesus showed the dying robber. Scorning the pride that demands privilege, he begged only the benevolence that exalts grace.

In choosing the dying thief—not Paul or Peter—as his model, Copernicus expressed the childlikeness that Jesus demands in all Kingdom subjects! He clearly understood the apostolic emphasis on grace alone. Like the dying robber, Copernicus knew he had purposefully violated God’s laws; he could contribute nothing to his salvation; he had no ability to spiritually influence or impress anyone; and he had to depend solely and completely on the merits of Jesus Christ in order to be saved.

Courtesy of Speaker’s Sourcebook of New Illustrations by Virgil Hurley © 1995 by Word, Incorporated.
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV © 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®
Used by permission. All rights reserved.