Forgiveness!

Forgiveness!

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. Luke 23:34 NIV

The Context:

Today's extract takes us to the cross, the place of suffering, pain and loss. Here was a man who knew no sin, who became sin, so that those who actually sinned could walk away from the consequences of their actions, if they believed in the one who paid the price for sin. The devil will it look like it is a hard thing to do, but simple faith in that finished work is all that I need to walk away from the consequences of sin. It is as simple as that. 

We see Jesus hanging on the cross, with his father turning his eyes away from him as he hung there. That was the first and only time Jesus ever was separated from his father, which gives you an idea of the price of sin. But in that very sad scene lies another nugget: Jesus never forgot why he had to walk this path. He never forgot the reason why he had to endure this pain. Of what use would my forgiveness be if it did not start at the very scene of the crime? 

The Message:

Oh, it is difficult to understand this account without help. It was a path that Jesus had to go through yet those who did it were guilty of sin. The Son of man had to go the way of the cross, but we remember the message of damnation about Judas Iscariot. If only he had truly repented, just like Simon Peter did, maybe his end would not have been the way it was. Jesus offered all those who were at the cross the forgiveness of sin they needed, just as he offers the same to all of us who have inherited the nature of sin. The offer was good at the time it was made, and because this is God, it is good for all time too. 

If only man knows and fully understands that which he has received, maybe man will be more careful about his choices and pursuits. If I know what I have been given, I would be careful also about what I give out. Jesus was in pain, but he could spare a thought for all who were at the cross, who were ignorant of the consequences of their actions. If they knew what their actions meant, they would have refrained from being quick to judge and to put a man to death. 

You have to wonder then that if these people did not do what they did at the time, would Jesus still have died? If it was the will of God for him to die, as he did, then it would have happened. In that is another lesson: what part am I playing to bring about God's divine purpose and plan? Can God count on me to be available for his good purposes? Even dividing his clothes by lot was also prophesied. Is my life a daily testament to the truths of God's Word or am I living a lie? Am I promoting that which is in line with God's will or am I pursuing after that which is not? The words of today's extract holds true for past, present and future sins, but the danger, as always, is that I do not hold on to that which needs to be forgiven until it is too late. Then, it is too late. 

The Response:

Easter reminds us of all that we were forgiven. The season reminds us to take a moment and reflect on the journey of our lives and all that we have been through. Can I ask myself that if I had not been forgiven, what would be my lot in life? If Christ had not offered his life willingly, where would I stand at this moment?

It is because of the words of today that I can look forward to all that his life has sealed for me. It is because of today's words that I know that no matter what comes my way today or tomorrow, my eternity is sealed in and with God. I know that no matter what I may have done, Jesus has given me a blank cheque, so that I can walk into the new life his life has secured for me. The forgiveness I have received is a clean state; nothing of the old man can stick to the one who has been forgiven of all his old self. Do I know now what I need to do to enjoy the fulness of all that Jesus has done? I must do it before it is too late. Eternity lies at the end of those questions. His time of favour is here.