As a boy, growing up on a farm, I had access to lots of open space. Occasionally my siblings and I, and perhaps a few friends, would do some target practicing. It may have been with slingshots, BB guns, bow and arrows, a potato launcher, or some other mechanized projectile flinger. From some of my early remembrances as a marksman, the term, “You missed it by a mile,” still rings in my ears. I never was very proficient in arms, but we had a blast—and, I always figured, “by a mile,” was a little exaggerated.
Though it has nothing to do with target practice, the old saying “You missed it by a mile,” is back in my thoughts again these days. In the Greek lexicon (dictionary), one of the nuances of the word “sin” is, “to miss the mark.” In terms of right and wrong, the mark is drawn by God, according to His moral law. In this relation, the center of the bull’s eye represents the right thing, or doing things right, and everything outside the center represents wrong, or disobedience—sin. While I am not proud of it, try as I may, I still find myself missing the mark on occasion, but I am thankful that God has promised, “If I confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive me my sins, and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. (1John 1:9).” You see, Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead, to afford me divine forgiveness when I miss the mark. Our God is in the forgiving business—compliments of Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness is for nations as well. We Americans have allowed our country to consistently miss the mark; many of our leaders are malicious and self-serving, and have set our nation on a path to destruction, but you and I can make a difference. The chronicler of Israel once wrote: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2Chronicles 7:14)”
If you and I would be sure to hit the mark (do right), as defined by God, and require it of our elected leaders, perhaps others will join us, and we would become blessable again, as a nation.