It never fails. No matter what the construction project, no job is ever finished until the completion of the Punch List. A list of mistakes and imperfections that must be corrected because they fail to conform to the architect’s vision.

Historically, on construction sites where paper is easily lost, the “punch list” would be fastened onto a wooden post. As each item was completed, a worker would take a nail and “punch” a hole next to it. Once every item on the punch list was corrected, the supervisor could finally declare, “It is finished.”

God Envisions a “Holy Nation”

Like an architect envisioning a glorious city, when God created mankind, He envisioned a “holy nation” and a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). Because God granted us free will, He knew the job would be messy. Every prideful thought and selfish act reveals that mankind has failed to conform to the Master Architect’s vision. But God knew that we could never attain perfection on our own. He planned from the start to come to earth as a humble carpenter and satisfy the “Punch List.” He was pierced for our sins and gave His life as a sacrifice.

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Timothy 1:9)

Jesus Was Pierced For Us

Two thousand years ago, the Son of God was stretched across two wooden beams. Three nails were violently punched into His human flesh. Only then could He cry out, “It is finished.”

“. . . With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30)

On our own, none of us can satisfy the Punch List stacked against us. Romans 3:23 reminds us that we are all deeply flawed. Yet God in His great mercy sees us as He created us to be. Coming to earth to complete the job, He stretched out His arms to all who would receive Him (John 1:12). As a result, He is transforming us into a “holy nation” and “kingdom of priests.”

Father in Heaven, thank You for seeing me not as I am, but as who You envisioned me to be when You created me. Thank you, Jesus, for dying for my sins and completing the task I could never complete. As I surrender myself to You, please fill me with power through Your Holy Spirit to live a life worthy of the calling I have received. Amen.

Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, award-winning author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of the powerful “Behind the Seen” Bible studies series, including TAMAR, HAGAR, LEGION and her latest study, RAHAB.

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