Repentance 5

Hebrews 12:22-25

As part of a project that Peggy and I worked on along with some friends, we visited many churches in our hometown to learn about their history and take pictures of both the outside and the inside of these great houses of worship. It was fascinating to see the different churches, the various architectures, the many stained glass windows and ornate décor within. It was such a spiritual thrill to feel the presence of God in so many diverse places, and to be made aware of how vast and all-encompassing God can be.

But it is not the place that connects us to God, although a place of worship is designed to help us make that connection. What brings us into communion with God is our own soul searching for our Lord and Savior.

The writer of Hebrews is talking about the need to search for God and to find him, connecting with him through Jesus. How does the writer describe this encounter with the Most High? Jewish tradition was to offer sacrifices, sprinkling blood before God to please Him. How does the blood of Jesus speak a better word than the sacrifices of Abel? What is the final warning given?

Where do we find holiness? Is it only in the large cathedrals, the high-ceilinged churches with stained glass windows and tall pulpits? Is God only in those places where thousands gather to worship and raise voices in song?

No. God is in every place made holy by those who come before him acknowledging that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. The holy mountain that is spoken of, that holy place described here, is within the hearts of the faithful. When our hearts become humble before God, when we confess our sins and ask Jesus to rule our lives, then we are joined with all the angels and the saints everywhere and in every time. We become part of the living God.

We cannot miss this important fact of our faith. We have been taught and warned by those on earth, beginning with Moses and on through all the prophets until Jesus Christ, and then beyond Christ, by the writers of the New Testament and all who preach the good news of salvation even today. Now God calls you from heaven to accept his Son as Savior. Do not turn away from Jesus.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be part of thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly?

Repentance 4

John 3:1-5

Recently one of our children, frustrated with school, wondered out loud why anyone would need to study history. Our canned response was the old adage – “Those who do not know the past are doomed to repeat it.” If we do not know and understand what happened in our history we are likely to make the same mistakes.

But when it comes to our faith we could say that those who do not forget the past are doomed to repeat it. If we can’t let go of our sinfulness, if we can’t get over our foolish mistakes and erroneous behavior, we are likely to keep living a sinful life.

Jesus was approached by Nicodemus, a religious leader and scholar of his time. In this encounter Jesus took the opportunity to give some spiritual teaching. What does Jesus say is necessary to see the kingdom of God? What specification did Jesus add to this comment in verse 5?

Most are familiar with the late night conversation with Nicodemus. Most are familiar with how the man could not understand the simple message of repentance and salvation. How can a man be born again? An adult can not return to the womb.

Well, of course not. But this is not what Jesus was talking about. Jesus was talking about spiritual rebirth. He was talking about shedding our old way of thinking and believing and acting. In its place we need to put on a new life, a life of holiness.

We can move forward in our faith and in our journey to perfection when we get rid of our old ways, ways of selfishness and sinfulness. We need to repent of our sins, seeking forgiveness from Christ. And when we seek that forgiveness we will be given the opportunity for a new life.

We can be born again – not physically – but reborn in the spirit. Our souls can be made new through the water of baptism, a reminder of our salvation. But we must also begin living with a new spirit of godliness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What must you do to be reborn?

Repentance 3

Luke 24:45-48

Many years ago my uncle, the owner of a small business, made a decision about an almost daily opportunity. His business brought him in contact with people every day, and he said that many people would greet him with a cliché saying – “What’s the good news?” Never certain how to respond, he finally came to a realization. When asked what the good news was he should always say, “Jesus died for my sins.” In this simple way he could spread the Gospel message.

In this passage from Luke we see Jesus after the resurrection, at the close of his ministry. What did Jesus do for those who believed in him? What did he remind them about in verses 46 and 47? What is important about verse 48?

A common misperception is that only preachers or evangelists are able to tell other people about Jesus Christ. But the fact is that each of us can say something that at least serves as a reminder that Jesus died for our sins.

One of the most important things we must remember is that Jesus is our Savior. Through his death Jesus took on all of our sins. Jesus suffered the punishment for all the wrong you have done and all the sins you will ever commit. Your sins, past and future, are paid for. They are removed – if you accept Jesus as Savior.

But how can anyone accept Jesus as Savior if they have not heard about what Jesus has done?

This passage from Luke is Jesus talking to his disciples and followers, but the message is for all who take on the name of “Christian.” It is significant that this encounter involves more than just the eleven disciples (see Luke 24:33). What Jesus did – open their minds so they could understand – was done for all who believe and have faith, not just the elite eleven.

It is also significant that Jesus claims, “You are witnesses of these things.” I believe the term can apply in two ways. We have witnessed what Jesus has done because we have believed the Gospel story and experienced Jesus in our own lives. But we are also witnesses in that we can share the message of Jesus as Savior.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you witness every day?

Repentance 2

Luke 5:18-25

Jesus seems to have been misunderstood since the beginning of his life. I would even claim that he is still misunderstood by many. It would seem that those who came to see Jesus were coming to hear a good teacher speak and possibly see some amazing healing.

We recognize Jesus as the Son of God, as God in human form. But those who were around him were not always aware of who exactly he was. What do the friends of the paralytic do? What does Jesus say to the man in need of healing? How do the Pharisees and teachers react? What does this demonstrate about Jesus?

Jesus offers healing in a unique way when a paralytic is lowered through the roof and set before him. Rather than say, “Be healed” or “Get up and walk,” Jesus declares that the man’s sins are forgiven. And that draws a lot of negative attention.

The religious leaders in his presence take offense and claim that Jesus is blaspheming – insulting God. Their comments are a reminder that only God can forgive sins.

And that is when Jesus proves his point. He equates declaring the man healed with declaring the man forgiven. At his command the invalid is able to rise and walk away. He is physically healed and he is forgiven of his sins.

Jesus has proven that, just as the Pharisees and teachers claimed, God can forgive sins. Therefore, Jesus is the Son of God.

We may call Jesus “Lord.” We may call him “Savior” and “Messiah.” But we must remember exactly what we mean by that. Jesus is more than just a good teacher, a kind helper, a good man. Jesus is God in human form, and we are called to accept him as Savior so that we may be forgiven.

This requires that we confess our sins to Jesus and ask for the forgiveness we need. We are not asking a teacher or helper, but we are asking God to forgive us. We should never forget that Jesus is the Savior we need. And we should never forget that we are all sinners who need forgiveness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you acknowledge Jesus as the Savior by asking forgiveness from him?

Repentance 1

Matthew 8:23-27

Although we say we believe in Jesus we may not always act as though we do. We may think we trust in Jesus, but often our trust falls short of where it needs to be.

This passage in Matthew is a familiar story of the miraculous ability of Jesus Christ. Where are Jesus and his disciples? What problem arises? What does Jesus do? How do his disciples respond?

I have often shared my perception of Jesus and the frustration he must have felt when dealing with the disciples. This story has been used again and again in messages usually focusing on the lack of faith that the disciples had. But I want to focus on the concluding comments that the disciples made.

The twelve have been following Jesus and his ministry for enough time that they have heard him preach and teach. If Matthew is written at all chronologically then Jesus has also healed many sick people prior to this trip in the boat. We might assume that these men are following Jesus because they believe he is the Son of God. But do they really?

Apparently not. If they truly believed him to be the Son of God, God in human form, then they wouldn’t have been amazed at the miracle of the calming of the storm. And if such a miracle did amaze them, the question arises – why did they ask him to save them?

But my fear is that so many of us who call ourselves “Christian” would be equally amazed by the power of Jesus. We claim that we believe Jesus is the Son of God. We claim him as Savior, but we seem to act as if we doubt his ability to forgive our sins or remove them.

Are we simply paying lip service to Jesus, or do we really believe in him as Savior. And if we really believe in him as Savior, can we have faith in the power of Christ? Our faith must be real and not a superficial, shallow cover to what we really believe.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Do you truly believe Jesus can remove your sins and save your soul?

Forgive 5

John 20:23

As parents with teens we sometimes faced the dilemma that arose when we had to ground our children as punishment. We often wondered who suffered the most – our children who were grounded, or we as parents who had to limit ourselves so we could enforce the punishment.

Today’s passage takes place after the resurrection. Jesus has appeared to his disciples as they hide within a locked room – perhaps the same room where the Last Supper took place. What authority does Jesus give? Do we have that same authority?

This statement from Jesus can spark considerable debate and may not be the easiest passage to understand. Many believe this is the commissioning of the disciples, Jesus giving these eleven followers the authority that Jesus has. They now have the power to forgive sins, to heal, and also to condemn.

Now the question is, does this authority end with the disciples? Or is this same authority something we possess? Do we have the power to withhold forgiveness from others, and in that power do we condemn them?

I believe the answers to those questions must be decided by each individual. Who is to say which of us is correct?

On a purely logical and superficial level what is being said makes sense. If you forgive, then the person is forgiven. If you don’t forgive, then forgiveness is not given. It may or may not have everlasting consequences. It may simply be a statement of obvious sense.

Perhaps the most important question to ask is, what does Jesus intend by this comment? If we look at in light of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:12, then we might assume that Jesus is simply reminding everyone that we should be forgiving. We should be aware that we are forgiven, even though we don’t deserve that forgiveness. With that awareness we should be willing to forgive others.

And maybe the absence of forgiveness has no bearing on the souls of the people we do not forgive, but rather the absence of forgiveness on our part actually binds us up in an attitude of bitterness and selfishness. When we do not forgive, perhaps we are the ones who suffer the most.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you forgive others?

Forgive 4

Matthew 26:27-28

I learned this week that someone wanted to talk to me on Sunday after the service but I was busy talking to others so the conversation did not take place. I felt bad that I could not respond to the needs of that person. It isn’t always easy but we should work to be attentive to the people around us, people who may require our attention and our time.

On the night that Jesus was arrested, when his ordeal of crucifixion was about to begin, he gathered with his disciples and shared a meal. What was part of that meal? What did the wine represent?

If we consider all that Jesus had done in his ministry, and if we consider what he was about to endure, and if we realize Jesus knew what was about to happen, we could imagine that Jesus had a lot on his mind during the Last Supper. Yet he was able to offer grace to his disciples in that meal.

In spite of all that he had already gone through, the frustration he may have felt about all of his teaching and healing and the fact that most people still didn’t understand, Jesus was still able to extend love and mercy to those around him. In this tense time just before the crucifixion Jesus reminded the disciples about the forgiveness the world was about to receive through the crucifixion.

The wine was a reminder of how Jesus’ blood would be poured out in sacrifice for the benefit for all humanity. One of the key words is “poured.” This creates an image of generosity, an overflowing amount, an abundance. Forgiveness was about to be poured out for all of us. And that forgiveness was to come in abundance.

Christ serves as our example in how we are to deal with others. We should have forgiveness pour out from us to others. We should be willing to set ourselves aside for a moment and deal with the needs of those around us. Many probably need to know that we have a forgiving attitude and we are willing to forgive them. Many may need to hear and see and feel the grace that should pour out from you so that they may reach wholeness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you have forgiveness pour out from you to those who need to receive it?

Forgive 3

Genesis 33:2-4

How often have we fretted and worried about someone else’s anger? It can be so easy to begin expecting retribution, hostility, anger and upset from those people we have offended in some way. And then we find ourselves stewing over what type of punishment they will give to us.

Jacob was very concerned about the anger he expected from his brother Esau. Jacob had stolen from his brother and then gone off and become prosperous because of it. Now he had to return to his brother – a man with power and 400 men at his side. What was going to happen?

What did Jacob do to try to soften Esau’s mood? How did Esau react when he met with Jacob?

Not only can we begin to worry about how others think of us and the hostility they may have toward us, if we are at all spiritual and honest we should be just as concerned with how God might feel toward us. We are sinful and we have offended God in many ways. How should God treat us?

We might anticipate punishment from God, and punishment that is well deserved. We might believe that we have no right to be in the presence of God. We might be aware that we deserve nothing but anger from God.

But how does God react to us when we come to Him? Like Esau, God throws his arms around us and weeps with joy at our return. Like Esau God is able to forgive us and welcome us into His presence with love.

Now the question is, how shall we respond? Will we accept the forgiveness of God but be vengeful to those who have offended us?

The answer, of course, is that we need to be like Esau and like God. We must be willing to forgive all the offenses we have endured just as we have been forgiven. We must treat other people with the same warmth and generosity as Esau treated Jacob, and as God treats us.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you throw your arms around someone who has offended you and weep with joy at the reconciliation? What will it take to make that happen?

Forgive 2

Genesis 32:3-6

I think one of the worst feelings is the anticipation of punishment we know is coming – that sense of waiting for the axe to fall, for the other shoe to drop. When we know we have done wrong and know we should be punished the waiting can be agonizing.

This passage from Genesis is part of a lengthy story involving Jacob and Esau. Jacob struggled his entire life (since birth) against his brother Esau. As a young adult Jacob out-witted his father and brother and stole Esau’s birthright, being blessed by his father instead of the rightful heir – Esau.

Now, after years away, after years of success in another place, Jacob is returning home and will soon encounter the brother he has wronged. What precaution does Jacob take? What news should the messengers convey? What news do they bring back?

Jacob’s motivation is evident. He feels guilty for all that he has done. He has indeed done wrong. He was an enemy of his brother and he benefited from trickery played out against his brother and father. Now he is a successful and wealthy man, perhaps something that Esau should have ended up with.

As he readies to meet Esau, Jacob is trying to send some apologies ahead of him. Jacob wants Esau to know that he has the means to repay his brother in material goods. He can make things right through gifts.

But the messengers return with some frightening information. Esau is on his way to meet Jacob. And he is not alone. He has 400 men, and this sounds like a threat to Jacob.

How often do we approach God with an attitude that we will buy off his anger with good deeds or money? How often do we fear to approach God because we are concerned how He might respond?

Just as Esau is a man with some power, so God also has extreme power, and that knowledge may cause fear for many people. But we need to realize that God loves us and is ready to forgive us whenever we are ready to turn to him in repentance. Like Jacob, we need to be ready to seek that reconciliation with God and be just as forgiving ourselves.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you seek God’s forgiveness?

The Thief Views the Cross 5

Colossians 2:13-15

I am a Methodist pastor, a member of that denomination begun nearly three-hundred years ago by John Wesley. The name “Methodist” was originally intended as a derogatory term, a criticism of the way Wesley and his followers acted. They were methodical in their faith and approach to doing church.

But the term became a name that truly described a way of faith and was quickly embraced by those who followed Wesley. What was intended to bring shame became an emblem of good work.

I think of this when I consider all that was involved in the crucifixion of Jesus. He was draped in a purple robe, handed a scepter and had a crown pressed on his head. He was mocked with the expression “Hail, King of the Jews.” A sign over his head on the cross proclaimed “This is the King of the Jews.”

All of it was meant to humiliate and mock Jesus, but in fact all of it brought glory to him. He is the King, deserving of purple robes and a crown. And so it is with the cross.

Meant to be a device of torture and death, the cross became a symbol of the new life we are given through the sacrifice of Jesus. Meant to put an end to things, the cross is where our faith may begin, with our sins forgiven. The cross does not hold the body of our Lord, but instead holds our sins. They are nailed to that wood and gone from us.

As this passage explains, we were dead in our lives because we had no connection to God. We were dead because we were laden with the sins of disobedience. But the crucifixion put an end to all of that.

Through the crucifixion of Jesus we are brought into a relationship with the Almighty. Through Jesus’ sacrifice we are given new life. The old is gone and canceled out. What was once a burden is left at the cross so that we begin a deeper faith unencumbered by sin and guilt.

Now, it is left to us to accept this salvation and start our lives fresh and new. The powers of earth and of hell have been disarmed. What was intended as a public spectacle of shame is a public spectacle of triumph.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How will you accept the new life Christ brings you?

The Thief Views the Cross 4

1 John 1:8-10

As a child my mother often read stories and poems to me out of a collection of children’s books we had. One that I always remembered was the poem called “Mr. Nobody.” The poem was about how things happen in a household – fingerprints on the wall, broken vases, spilled drinks – and the person to blame is Mr. Nobody. “Who did this?” Nobody.

It was a cute and clever little poem that held a very powerful truth. So many of us do wrong, whether intentionally or unintentionally. We make mistakes, we cause hurt, we fail. We sin. But rather than admit to our guilt we blame Mr. Nobody, avoiding the truth.

This passage addresses the same attitude in believers. What’s wrong with claiming to be without sin? What happens when we confess sins? What is the effect of denying sin?

One of the first steps toward salvation is to admit that we are sinful. Paul states in Romans 3:23 – “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Even the thief on the cross was self-aware enough to realize he was being punished justly. He had committed a crime and was condemned for it.

It can be a difficult thing to confess sin. It can be embarrassing to admit your failings and wrong-doings. It certainly can make you feel bad about yourself, admitting you are not perfect. Not only are you not perfect, sometimes you aren’t even “good.”

But when we are honest with ourselves we can receive the forgiveness that comes from Christ. Verse 9 reminds us that Jesus is faithful and just. He will accept our sins and remove them, forgiving us and purifying us. Confessing sin may be painful, but the forgiveness and purification that follows is wonderful.

What is also important to remember is what this all says about the crucifixion. By refusing to admit to our failings we are making Jesus out to be a liar. If we think we are good enough, that we have not sinned, then we are in a sense claiming that the sacrifice of Jesus, the atonement that Christ offers, was not necessary.

As we examine ourselves and our faith, as we look to the cross, we need to be honest with ourselves. We need to be aware that we do indeed need the sacrifice of Jesus for our forgiveness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you confess your sins every day?

The Thief Views the Cross 3

2 Corinthians 5:21

Most movie stars, especially those in action films, have a stand-in. This is another actor, a person who looks like the star, who will “stand in” for the star during risky scenes, times when the star might be injured. The stand-in will take the hits and suffer the cuts and bruises of the action. The stand-in takes the pain while the star gets all the fame.

The crucifixion was the one event in time where someone served as our stand-in. The summation of our faith and our salvation is presented in this single passage from 2 Corinthians. Theologian Karl Barth explained that God chose not to reject humanity, so instead God rejected Himself in the form of Jesus. God allowed Himself to suffer so that we might not.

As the passage points out, God made Jesus – who had no sin – to become sin for us. Jesus suffered instead of us. And because of this we are all forgiven of our sins and all wrongdoing if we will only accept Christ as our Savior.

The second criminal was right in his statement of Luke 23:41 – “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

The same is true of us. We are deserving of punishment and condemnation for our sins and unholy living. Still, Jesus has done nothing wrong. He is pure and holy, and yet he has taken all of our sins upon himself – standing in for us – taking the pain while we get the fame.

And what does that mean to us? We are to be the righteousness of God. We are to accept this incredible gift of absolution, of having our sins taken away, and then we are to live out the goodness that is God. Because we have been forgiven we should live as holy people, obedient to God’s commands, and acting in mercy and compassion.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How can you be the righteousness of God?

The Thief Views the Cross 2

Luke 23:39-45

Reverend Dermot Thornberry, a big influence on the beginning of my ministry, shared his story of accepting Christ. He was living a very worldly life, a life without God, focusing on his human needs and desires, but also realizing that his life was empty and unfulfilling. Then someone told him to accept Jesus as his Savior, to simply say the words. He did, and then he wondered if it truly was that easy.
But his wife pointed out that from the moment he confessed Christ as Savior his fears and stresses were gone. He was a new man.

Over the years believers have heaped layers of ritual and pomp onto the practice of believing in Jesus Christ. For a recent class I had to read a book about the history of Baptism and was amazed at all the ritual and preparation – sometimes 2 years! – for a person to be baptized into the faith.

Some modern churches require months of classes and study to join the church. Others require close examination of personality and behavior before a person is deemed as worthy to join.

But in Luke’s crucifixion story we have the hope that is offered through one of the criminals (thieves) crucified with Jesus. How did the two criminals act differently toward Jesus? What realization does the second criminal have? What does he ask? How does Jesus respond?

In the two thieves, or “criminals,” we have two possible reactions of people to Jesus. There are those who are bitter and angry and wonder where God is in all the turmoil. Yet they do nothing to be part of God’s kingdom. Instead they muddle along in the torment of their empty lives. They may actively reject God.

Then there are those who realize that they are in a difficult spot and they are themselves to blame. But they turn to God for help and hope.

What is the result? Those who turn to God are saved. And they don’t need to go to classes or be baptized or give money to be saved. The thief was unable to do anything but confess Christ as Savior and that was enough for him to be welcomed into paradise. I believe the same is true for us. Nothing is required of any of us but to confess our need for Jesus.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you turned to Jesus for salvation?

The Thief Views the Cross 1

Luke 23:32-35
One of the center pieces of almost every Christian church is the cross. Most churches have one on the altar, behind the altar, or in the decorations of the church. Many Christians, myself included in this, wear a cross around our necks as a reminder of the sacrifice of Jesus. But it seems to me that most have forgotten just how important the symbol of the cross is to each of us, and how important the crucifixion is to our faith.

In Luke’s description of the crucifixion we have details of what went on. Who was crucified with Jesus? What request did Jesus make? What was the taunt from the crowd?

Jesus had been found guilty of blasphemy against the Jewish faith, and he was also accused of stirring up problems for the Roman government. So, he was handed over for crucifixion, and the prevailing scholarly belief is that the two men with him were not simply “thieves” as we would consider them. They were not being executed for taking a loaf of bread or snatching a purse.

In all likelihood these two men were rebels who had tried to lead revolts against Rome and were being executed for causing political unrest and committing treason. Jesus was put with them for a similar crime.

We know that Jesus was innocent of the crimes of which he had been accused. He was without guilt, yet he was under a death sentence. And still, in his mercy, he was able to offer forgiveness for those who were executing him.

But I also believe that this profound comment is for all who sin. It is for us as well. Jesus asks God to forgive “them” because they do not know what they do, and I think the comment applies to us. We are forgiven of our sins. We do not know what we do - we do not always recognize that our actions are sinful.

Jesus, in his comment, was setting the stage and groundwork for the importance of the crucifixion. Through his death – the death of an innocent man who was God in flesh – he would forgive our sins too.

The crowd jeered at him claiming that he had saved others; he should save himself. They also did not realize what they were saying. Jesus had indeed saved others, and he would continue to save through the crucifixion. When we see a cross we should be reminded of all that it means and how important that single act was to all humankind.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to be reminded daily of the importance of Christ’s sacrifice?

Forgive One Another 5

Colossians 3:12-13

Whenever a group of pastors gathers for a meeting the leader will usually ask which one of us would like to open the meeting in prayer. The purpose of this is to remind us that it is a privilege to offer the prayer. It is not a burden. Rather, we are chosen to do the work of God and should feel honored when we have the opportunity to do so.

This passage from Colossians is among my favorites in the Bible. How are we described? What are we to do? What are we reminded of in verse 13?

What a wonderful description for us who are called to be children of God. We are God’s chosen people. We are not a random gathering of folks, but the people God loves and who are called to do His service. We are dearly beloved, loved by God. We are special.

And as beloved children of God we are invited to live out the privilege and honor of being specially chosen by God. We are to fill ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We are to clothe ourselves in these attributes so that others will know we are children of God, and so that we will know we are children of God.

As children of God we must bear with one another –accept one another, have fellowship with one another, teach one another – and forgive one another. We are brought full circle.

Why are we to forgive one another? We should forgive one another because we have been forgiven by God through Jesus.

Forgiveness should not be viewed as a burden for us. It is not a due which needs to be paid. Instead, we should see it as a privilege, an honor. We have been forgiven and now we have the privilege of sharing God’s goodness with others by forgiving them.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to help yourself look at forgiveness as a privilege and not a burden?

Forgive One Another 4

1 Peter 3:8-9

Neither my wife nor I are good patients when we are sick. Being ill makes us both irritable and difficult to be around. And of course the first impulse is to leave the other person alone, but that won’t work. When we are sick we need someone to tend to us. So, in spite of the irritability we experience, we serve the other who is ill, being compassionate and helpful.

Peter has some words to guide the believers in Jesus, instructions for being part of the body of Christ. What five things are we supposed to demonstrate to one another? What should we not do? Why should we do this?

It isn’t always an illness or infirmity that makes some of us hard to get along with. Some people are just naturally abrasive and abrupt, even with the sisters and brothers of their own faith family. While working together as a church, worshiping together, serving together, we sometimes step on one another’s toes. We make each other frustrated or angry.

We are all human and therefore fallible. None of us is perfect. But we are called to live in harmony with one another. We are called to get along. And it can be easier to get along, to be in harmony, when we are sympathetic with one another.

When we can recognize that we are all the same, with shortcomings and failings, it is easier to have sympathy for others. It is easier to love one, and through that love we can have compassion for one another.

Even when we offend another or are offended by another, we must work to restrain ourselves. We should not respond in anger and with vengeance. We should not look for ways to get even or pay back the offense.

Instead, we need to offer blessings to one another, serving each other in love and compassion. We are called to this. God calls us to behave in this way. And, when we can live in harmony, love and compassion, we will be blessed.

But all of this can only come about when we are willing to offer forgiveness to one another.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you been hurt or offended by a Christian brother or sister? How can you forgive the offense and then provide a blessing to that person?

Forgive One Another 3

Zechariah 7:8-10

One of the key concepts of most Christian churches, one of the important elements in believing in Jesus Christ, is the concept of forgiveness. Paul has stated that we all fall short of the mark. We all have sinned in some way or another. And because of that sinful nature inherent in being mortal we are all in need of the forgiveness that comes through the sacrifice of Jesus.

But this concept of forgiveness is not new. It is not an idea that only Christians should embrace. The idea of forgiving can also be found in the Old Testament, Scripture written for guidance long before Jesus was born.

God has spoken through the prophet Zechariah who, according to commentary, lived about 500 years before the birth of Christ. Who is giving the commands? What are we to show to one another? What are we not supposed to do?

The mercy of God did not begin with the birth of Jesus. The coming of Christ was a mighty demonstration of God’s grace, a way to make it easier to comprehend what God wants. But God’s love and His desire for mercy and forgiveness go all the way back to the beginning, even to Adam and Eve (see Genesis 3:21).

God has spoken to His prophet Zechariah, using this mortal to express the words of the Almighty. And what does God want? God wants us to administer true justice.

And what is true justice? We can see justice as setting things right, correcting what is wrong, restoring what is broken. But the call to true justice is followed immediately by the command to show mercy and compassion.

We can assume, then, that true justice not only corrects what is wrong, but displays a kindness and compassion. The punishment one might expect is suddenly withdrawn or withheld. No evil or vengeful thoughts are brought in, no oppression.

This is how God deals with us. We are forgiven. The wrong is removed, but there is no punishment or retribution. And so we have a guide for dealing with one another. We can correct what is wrong, but that should be accompanied by forgiveness. We can stop the offense, explain our hurt, but then we forgive and stop thinking evil of one another or desiring any type of oppressive punishment.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you been hurt or offended by a Christian brother or sister? How can you repair the situation, remove the hurt or offense, without seeking punishment?

Forgive One Another 2

Ephesians 4:31-32

We have all heard the expression “What goes around, comes around.” That which you send out will come back to you. If you send out anger and hatred you will receive anger and hatred back. If you smile at others or do good deeds, it is more likely others will smile back or help you with their own good deeds.

It is a simple and logical approach to living. It makes sense, yet so many people fail to incorporate this concept when functioning within the body of Christ.

In today’s passage the believers in Ephesus are given some pretty clear instructions. What are they to remove from their church? How are they to act toward one another? What comparison is made?

The faults that are listed here may seem shocking at first read, but unfortunately many of these attitudes can be found among the body of believers in many churches. Bitterness, rage and anger – these three seem to be the unholy trinity in many worship communities. So many people refuse to let go of the past, clinging to a sense of bitter resentment over some long ago slight or offense.

This bitterness surfaces in rage and anger as there is conflict among believers, and the disputes can become like brawls.

But as faithful followers of Christ Jesus we need to remove these motivators from ourselves. And if we can remove them from our own attitudes, then these problems can be removed from our worship communities, our churches. This will help us all to accept one another, have fellowship with one another, and teach one another.

We are called to offer forgiveness to one another, allowing the past and all the history of being offended and hurt to fall away. Instead we should be kind and compassionate.

And we are reminded to offer forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven. We have received forgiveness; we should give forgiveness. It may be helpful to remember that we were forgiven first. What goes around, comes around.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to remove the bitterness, anger and rage you may feel to a Christian brother or sister?

Forgive One Another 1

Matthew 18:23-35

As we move forward in our series on how to interact with one another, we arrive at perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to live out. Not only are we to accept one another, fellowship with one another and teach one another, we must learn to forgive one another.

We begin with a lengthy reading from Matthew; however, it is a parable that may be familiar to most. How does this story of canceled debts relate to us? How often are we in the position of the first servant?

The parable is clear, as is the purpose of parables. In the story it is money owed which is forgiven, or not forgiven. In our lives it is our sin.

The king was able to have mercy on the servant who was indebted, just as God is able to have mercy on each of us even though we are indebted to God because of our sin. Because we have failed and done wrong we deserve punishment. We are in debt to God because we should serve our sentence or accept the punishment due.

But God can remove that debt in His mercy. He cancels the owed debt of punishment through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Now, how will we act toward one another? Are we able to forgive those who have done wrong against us? Can we be like God in His mercy and forgive? Or will we forget that we have been given a great gift from God and we should share that attitude of forgiveness and mercy with others?

Although we may be tempted to hang on to our hurt feelings and look for opportunities to get even or pay back the wrong, we need to remember that not one of us is free of the debt we owe God. If we can be forgiven, then we should be forgiving in our dealings with one another.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you thanked God for the release of debt He has offered you?

Savior 3

Luke 5:18-25

When I did computer training I never knew the skill level of those who participated in the class. One time I saw a participant clicking away at various programs, and not the lesson I was demonstrating. When I told her how to get back to where I was she said, “I know. I’m a department head. I’m just here to see how you present the class.”

I was not aware of her expertise and had to be told.

We recognize Jesus as the Son of God, as God in human form. But those who were around him were not always aware of who exactly he was. What do the friends of the paralytic do? What does Jesus say to the man in need of healing? How do the Pharisees and teachers react? What does this demonstrate about Jesus?

Jesus seems to have been misunderstood since the beginning of his life. I would even claim that he is still misunderstood by many. It would seem that those who came to see Jesus were coming to hear a good teacher speak and possibly see some amazing healing.

But Jesus offers healing in a unique way when a paralytic is lowered through the roof and set before him. Rather than say, “Be healed” or “Get up and walk,” Jesus declares that the man’s sins are forgiven. And that draws a lot of negative attention.

The religious leaders in his presence take offense and claim that Jesus is blaspheming – insulting God. Their comments are a reminder that only God can forgive sins.

And that is when Jesus proves his point. He equates declaring the man healed with declaring the man forgiven. At his command the invalid is able to rise and walk away. He is physically healed and he is forgiven of his sins.

Jesus has proven that, just as the Pharisees and teachers claimed, God can forgive sins. Therefore, Jesus is the Son of God.

We may call Jesus “Lord.” We may call him “Savior” and “Messiah.” But we must remember exactly what we mean by that. Jesus is more than just a good teacher, a kind helper, a good man. Sometimes we need to be reminded exactly who he is. Jesus is God in human form, and we are called to accept him as Savior so that we may be forgiven.

This requires that we confess our sins to Jesus and ask for the forgiveness we need. We are not asking a teacher or helper, but we are asking God to forgive us. We should never forget that Jesus is the Savior we need. And we should never forget that we are all sinners who need forgiveness.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Can you acknowledge Jesus as the Savior by asking forgiveness from him?