Sunday Morning Podcast July 17, 2016. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: LUKE 23:32-43
32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Jesus forgave even those that mocked Him at death, for His love and forgiveness are unconditional. The Lord’s love can come as a soothing rain, or as a hailstorm when necessary. Thankfully God has patience with us, even though we continue to be debtors to Him, for we are all borrowers from the goodness and mercies of God. There are many that take that for granted, with no intention to pay it back which is evidenced by their choosing to continue to live in sin. Sin separates humanity from God, but His forgiveness can restore the relationship we broke. An unsaved soul, might often ask for God’s patience without being able to pay back, attempting to stop, but not able to avoid sin. It is because the natural man’s heart, is with enmity against God (Romans 8:5,7). Mercifully, Jesus knowing our enmity with Him, still forgave.
This servant showed no mercy to his fellowservant, though his master had just forgiven him. Matthew 18:23-35, 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. God will do what we have done, if we forgive not our fellowman. Jesus died not just for some, but for all that would be saved. He forgave all, therefore expects us to also forgive all. Without forgiving those who have wronged us, there will be bitterness filling it’s place. And with bitterness, there will be spiritual death. But one drop of Christ’s blood through forgiveness, will heal from the bitterness that would destroy.
Forgiveness from God, ask that we too forgive others…