A Daily Devotion for Tuesday, July 23
- ontrakk
- Jul 23, 2024
- 1 min read
Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
I am sitting here this morning trying to wrap my head around this example of forgiveness. Jesus was, after all, fully human (as well as fully divine). He had to experience the crucifixion with human pain and fear. But he was able to forgive, up to the moment of his death. To have forgiveness on one’s mind, at that moment, is a wonderful thing. I truly do not think I could manage that, even with the inevitability of unfolding events. We do see this from time to time in the world, when victims or family members of victims publicly forgive the perpetrators. That is something amazing, and that is of God. May I live to be more inclined to forgive than to hold on to anger and bitterness. Lord, help me, I pray. Amen
Becky, transforming
Pic by Kathy C
Like 23:34
I knew this verse would come this week. I also know how difficult this level of forgiveness would be. The example set by Jesus is almost beyond comprehension. I know it would not be something I could do. I also know, however, there are people that hold to this standard. For example, the Amish families of the murdered school girls forgave the killer and then proceeded to protect his family from the media. Their explanation is that these actions are the first step forward toward healing. Amazing!
Prayer: Gracious God, help me learn from those who understand you and your forgiveness better than I do. Amen
Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024
Luke 23:34
And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
It's obvious that Jesus is asking for forgiveness for those who were actually responsible for putting Him on the cross. Pilate, the Romans, the Jewish leaders and those making fun of Him, etc. But His forgiveness is also for every person that He is dying for, and that includes you, and it includes me.The last thing he did was to ask for forgiveness to the very people who didn’t deserve forgiveness, and he did this while hanging on a cross being crucified . forgiving those who trespass against us, refusing to speak evil of them…
Luke 23:34
In this verse is the gold standard of forgiveness. I struggle not so much with the concept of forgiveness as I do with the “they do not know what they are doing “ part. An impulsive act that leads to harm is one thing, but planned, calculated behavior that harms another is a taller mountain for me. That said, Jesus made clear we are to forgive those who trespass against us, offering no exceptions, caveats or limitations. This is a difficult test, and one that continues to challenge me.
Prayer - Jesus, Teacher, as You have said, “the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Strengthen my flesh to empower me to dispense sincere forgiveness, modeling Your…