November 30

Time Served

Do what is right and good in the LORD’s sight, so that it may go well with you (Deuteronomy 6:18).

Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:16-19

Song: “Redeemed”

In 2000, Cornealious “Mike” Anderson III was sentenced to 13 years for robbing a fast food store at gunpoint. A clerical error occurred and he never received orders to report and serve his time. Instead of continuing a life of crime he started a business, became a youth football coach, volunteered at church, started a family, and became well-respected in his community.

Thirteen years later, the state realized their error and jailed Anderson. News of this spread and an online petition garnered 35,000 signatures for his release. In a court hearing, the judge agreed Anderson was a changed man and granted him credit for the years he should have been in prison.

Mike Anderson broke the law but instead of continuing down a wrong path, he turned his life around and began living in compliance with the law. As a result, when he went before the judge, things went well for him. In Deuteronomy 6:16, 17, the people are warned “Do not put the LORD your God to the test as you did at Massah. Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God.” Although they had been disobedient at Massah, quarreling and questioning God’s presence, they were given a chance at redemption and the opportunity to do what was good and right in the Lord’s sight so that it would go well with them. When we seek after God and do His will, even if we’ve stumbled previously, He is faithful to forgive us.

Lord, thank You that Your mercies are new every morning! In Your great name I pray, amen.