A story of embrace instead of judgement
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
by Pastor Chris Mann
This is the fifth in a series of seven devotions on the theme of Seven Great Stories to Tell One Day.
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34a).
In the midst of this Coronavirus pandemic there are lots of stories of pain, sorrow and heartbreak. But in the midst of the stories of pain are great stories – stories of healing, hope, and love. Now that we are on the other side of Easter, we can look back and see some of the stories that we may have skipped over in the crucifixion of Jesus. And because he lives in us, his story becomes our story.
Among the hardest stories I find to replicate in my own life is the story of Jesus forgiving those who executed him in Luke 23:34.
In my socially isolated state, I’ve become (in my own mind) a world-renowned expert on pandemics, infections, social distancing, stimulus packages, governmental policy and more. I have a judgement for everyone and everything, and anyone who doesn’t make choices in line with my thinking is in line for condemnation – especially those on the clear wrong side of government directions who have spread the virus.
You may be like me, too, perhaps.
It’s why we need Jesus’ help to forgive others, to show grace, when everything we see would indicate that judgement is warranted.
I pray that we are one day able to tell the story of forgiving others who have done the wrong thing during this time – if for no other reason than it will help all of us be more aware of the amazing forgiveness Jesus grants us. The truth is, I so often do not know what I am doing too, and need to trust Jesus with my life.
May the story of grace instead of judgement be the story we tell in, through and after this time.
Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus grants forgiveness so radical that it causes us discomfort. Help us to both receive it, and grant it, with his help. Amen.
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