[446 words]
What on earth can we do about our sin? We can lie about it, ignore it, forget about it, refuse to confess our need for it, and blame it on others, but it will remain unchanged. However, if we understand the tragedy and burden of our sin (Is. .59:2; Rom 6:23), the one thing we really want can be ours: forgiveness!
Forgiveness is an intriguing power, force, blessing, and incentive. It cannot be demanded, only accepted and received. It is found in grace and cannot be bought, but it is given only because a price has already been paid. It cannot be deserved. It cannot be accomplished or achieved on our own. Forgiveness can only come from the God who willingly paid the price to give it to those who understand their need for it and humble themselves before Him to receive it:
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is–that she is a sinner. “Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owe him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more? “Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into y our house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has pour ed perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven–for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:39-47 NIV).
Father in heaven, grant us today a spirit without deceit like King David (Ps 32:1-5) and the sinful woman of Luke 7, a spirit that seeks your blessing and the motivating forgiveness that we so desperately desire. Help us to appreciate the message of Jesus Christ that grant s us forgiveness in Him and upon His name (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 4:12; Eph 1:7), in Jesus name I pray, Amen!
Jay Don Poindexter
Merkel church of Christ
Merkel, TX