The Gavel Falls

Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens · Feb 5, 2026 · 4m

READ: JOHN 3:15-18; ROMANS 3:21-30; 10:9-13 Last year, I went to traffic court after being cited for an illegal left turn. When the judge asked for my plea, I said, “Guilty with circumstances.” I told him the sign prohibiting the left turn was obscured by tree limbs: “Your honor, I never saw the sign.” Despite my articulate defense, he dropped the gavel, found me guilty, and fined me $120, a hefty price for my ignorance. An offense demands a consequence. But Paul announces in Romans 8:1, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” That’s good news! But note the…