April 15, 2021 - Can you see by an eye of faith, Jesus, as he is hanging on the cross? He has been hounded, betrayed, denied, tried before an unjust court, led out of the city, and nailed to a rough-hewn wooden cross. Yet, hanging there, his first words were not a complaint. Though he was innocent, his first word was not a plea for his own innocence. Neither was his first statement a cry for vengeance against those who crucified Him.Rather, Jesus first words from the cross were a prayer for forgiveness. A prayer for those who put Him there. He prayed, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do”.
There is in our world today a pressing need for the grace of forgiveness. It is needed in our nation, it is needed in our community, it is needed in each individual life. There are many who are unstained from sensuality, free from immoral practices and they attend church services regularly. They can sing “O How I Love Jesus” louder than anyone in the building. Yet, these same people carry enough malice in their hearts to damn their souls to the fires of an eternal hell.
If we do not learn to forgive, malice will multiply in our souls and stifle every noble impulse. Hatred will rob us of the joy of the Christian life and the leaven of enmity will embitter us taking from our soul the sweetness implanted there by Jesus.
The prayer on our lips must ever be the prayer of Jesus, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do."
It’s something to think about … tbp
Center Church of Christ
110 Hurst Street, Center, Texas
