A waymaker through midlife

Derek Munn February 24, 2026 1 2

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Romans 5: 12-19 (NIV)

12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.

15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!

18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Thankfully I’m now a wee bit too old to have a midlife crisis! I’m afraid mid-life passed me by uneventfully, but I know that it’s quite common for people to suddenly reassess their lives in middle age and make sweeping changes. Some of these changes may be fairly harmless (the bright red sports car) some may be life changing. In the cold light of day, the choices may have been wrong or harmful or just silly.

Romans 5: 12–19 paints this big, sweeping picture of how one person’s choices can ripple outward, and it does it in a way that feels surprisingly down‑to‑earth. Paul contrasts Adam and Jesus, but not to make us feel weighed down — instead, it highlights just how generous God’s grace really is. Where Adam’s mistake opened the door to brokenness, Jesus’ faithfulness opens the door even wider to forgiveness, restoration, and a fresh start. It’s a reminder that we’re not defined by our failures or the world’s messiness; we’re defined by the abundance of grace that keeps meeting us right where we are.

Prayer:

God of overflowing grace,

Thank You for the hope You hold out so generously. When we’re reminded of the brokenness that touches every part of life, help us remember that Your gift in Jesus is even greater. Let His faithfulness shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. Teach us to live from the freedom, forgiveness, and new beginning You offer so freely, and let that grace spill into the way we treat others. Amen.