Let’s take a mental walk. The distance and the destination is up to you; it could be a quick stroll or a painful and grueling trudge. Now think back to a time whether it was 50 years ago, 5 years ago, or 5 minutes ago to an incident in which you were wronged and you felt that extending forgiveness to that person or situation was completely unfathomable. Curious, did you quickly forgive or are you clutching that grievance so tightly that “no way, no way, no way” are you going to forgive, NO WAY? If you identify with the latter, this little walk that you’re on today, could prove to be quite a game changer.
We are within days of observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and it was he who shared these thought-provoking words, "Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude." To walk in that manner would definitely be a game changer. And the good doctor Luke writes something that should both challenge and change us.
Luke 23:32-43 “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”
It’s hard to grasp the horrific scene as Jesus spoke those words. Jesus hung there, in excruciating pain, he had been beaten beyond recognition, his heart breaking all the while being mocked, hated, and his life slipping away. Yet, he chose to use his final breaths, in his final moments, he would speak words that would set many free. It’s interesting that as Jesus was hanging on a cross, the thieves wanted Jesus to prove that he was God's Son by coming down from the cross; Jesus proved that he was God's Son by staying on it. Jesus shows us that God doesn't do things our way. What an unexpected power move! It’s hard to imagine that Jesus’ upside-down ways are so opposite of the world. Jesus teaches that there is power in humility, yes, you read that correctly, power in humility; humility is exalted, others are first, the weak are strong and enemies are loved.
Through his death, he forgave our sins, which enables us, likewise, to forgive, and that my friend is life abundant and a game changing love-filled walk indeed!
We are within days of observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and it was he who shared these thought-provoking words, "Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude." To walk in that manner would definitely be a game changer. And the good doctor Luke writes something that should both challenge and change us.
Luke 23:32-43 “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise”
It’s hard to grasp the horrific scene as Jesus spoke those words. Jesus hung there, in excruciating pain, he had been beaten beyond recognition, his heart breaking all the while being mocked, hated, and his life slipping away. Yet, he chose to use his final breaths, in his final moments, he would speak words that would set many free. It’s interesting that as Jesus was hanging on a cross, the thieves wanted Jesus to prove that he was God's Son by coming down from the cross; Jesus proved that he was God's Son by staying on it. Jesus shows us that God doesn't do things our way. What an unexpected power move! It’s hard to imagine that Jesus’ upside-down ways are so opposite of the world. Jesus teaches that there is power in humility, yes, you read that correctly, power in humility; humility is exalted, others are first, the weak are strong and enemies are loved.
Through his death, he forgave our sins, which enables us, likewise, to forgive, and that my friend is life abundant and a game changing love-filled walk indeed!