Knowing And Forgiving

Sunday, ‎April ‎9, ‎2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: Romans 5:10 The Passion Translation

10 So if while we were still enemies, God fully reconciled us to himself through the death of his Son, then something greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, and because we share in his resurrection life, how much more we will be rescued from sin’s dominion!

Memory of the Month: John 10:27-28

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Today's reading: 1 SAMUEL 13-14 LUKE 10:1-24

Knowing And Forgiving

Parents can 'read' their children. What I mean by that is parents can tell what their little people are going to do next by the look on their faces or their attitudes or movements because we have been in that same spot a long time ago. This always frustrated my children, it seemed, to no end. I would say, "Now don't do what you are thinking..." or that's gonna' make a mess". In their little minds, then, would come the question, "How does he do that?"

Then comes the time in the young person's life that the parents have to let them make mistakes-we cannot live their lives for them and this is one of the hardest things in parenting. But-we are always there with open hands to help them up and forgive them.

I think that this is one of the things that frustrated the Jewish teachers and leaders so much about Christ Jesus. But Jesus could actually hear their thoughts and this had to infuriate them.

In Mark 2, it reads:

6 Some experts in Moses’ Teachings were sitting there. They thought, 7 “Why does he talk this way? He’s dishonoring God. Who besides God can forgive sins?”

8 At once, Jesus knew inwardly what they were thinking. He asked them, “Why do you have these thoughts? 9 Is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your cot, and walk’? 10 I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then he said to the paralyzed man, 11 “I’m telling you to get up, pick up your cot, and go home!”

Jesus was dangerous to them. He knew all their thoughts-what they were going to do and when-Jesus knew everything they were going to do to Him-how and when. Another thing that must have angered them greatly was the fact that what they were planning did not deter Jesus one bit.

I believe that this is one reason why Jesus would tell some of the folks He healed not to tell about it. His human part knew time was short and wanted to get as much done as He could before the inevitable.

But when the inevitable came and Jesus was hanging on the cross, what did He say? What did Jesus say as He watched the soldiers gamble over His clothing?

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

Jesus knew that His Heavenly Father knew they did not know what they were doing...the whole lot-from beginning to end. But the heart of Jesus knew He was bearing all their sins on the cross as well as all of ours.

God meant for all of us to hear how eternally important for Jesus to ask for their forgiveness. How deep is God's love for us that He wants us to know forgiveness for our enemies who would hurt us the most.

After the cosmos changing resurrection, Jesus reinstated Peter after His betrayal-another picture of God's undying love for us.

On the day we celebrate the Resurrection, we must know it is our ultimate example of being parents-and children. In all that God knows of what we have done and will do, His love and grace covers us with willing forgiveness.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

All praise is Yours, oh God, for Your unchanging love. Forgive me for not being as conscious of You as You will. May Your will be done in my heart, and soul, and mind.

Our God of infinite mercy,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen