THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 23:32-38
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
These words describe all of us: we do not know what we’re doing.
We make boastful claims about what we know, yet look at what we do.
There is something terribly wrong in the world – and its us!
But I can’t be critical of others, my own choices are questionable.
There are many times when I say of myself: ‘what am I doing?’
I know the right thing to do, yet I do not do it.
I know what things I should not do, yet I keep on doing them.
Being selfish and foolish seems to come naturally.
When Jesus says, “Father, forgive them”, I know He is speaking of me too.
The kinds of sins that crucified Him are also subtly at work in me.
This is very encouraging, it reminds me how Jesus forgives me.
Jesus is my Saviour, He saves me from the penalty and power of sin.
He not only assures me of forgiveness, but also freedom from its grip.
With His help, I am changing – ever so slowly – to be less selfish and foolish.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, though I do not know what I am doing, You do! You suffered and died that I might be rescued and restored. You give me hope, and You give me help. My saviour!
Father, forgive them.
Jesus forgave so that I could live.
And I?
Do I forgive in order to live?
Carrying grudges, anger, hatred, against our neighbour
is very common today.
He needs to forgive, not me is our attitude which sours our lives.
I nee to forgive as Christ has forgiven me.
God freely forgave and I must do the same.
God forgave my sin in Jesus’ name
I’ve been born again in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to
He said: ‘Freely, freely, you have received
Freely, freely give
Go in My name, and because you believe
Others will know that I live.’
All power is given in Jesus’ name
In earth and heaven in Jesus’ name
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share His power as He told me to. Refrain
God gives us life in Jesus’ name,
He lives in us in Jesus’ name,
And in Jesus’ name I come to you
To share his peace as he told me to. Refrain