I wonder how we would lives if we found out that our last seven sentences were being recorded before we died. Then these seven sentences would be shared with all humanity as the defining perspective of who we are. Would this change how we treat one another?
“When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.”
Luke 23:33-34 NLT
Jesus according to scripture had seven words spoken from the cross. The first being this account in Luke 23.
Jesus had just been whipped, mocked, beaten, striped of his cloths, humiliated, questioned by authorities, and nailed to a cross. He didn’t defend himself, he didn’t try to weasel his way from the cross. He didn’t curse or condemn those who were attacking him. No, he forgave them.
Imagine such grace and compassion for the world, could we be like this in our daily walk? Could we stay calm even when the world around us is trying to destroy us? Can we accept what ever is coming to us and then forgive those oppressing us? Trusting that God has a plan and knows that in the end he will be glorified? Would you be able to stand firm in your faith even to death? Would you be able to forgive those who your executioners as they killed you? I pray God would give me such strength.
Jesus even in this moment as he forgave them the guards below him were mocking him by gambling for his clothing. Yet he didn’t change his views, he still forgave them. He is still forgiving those who are willing to come to him. The gift of salvation he bore on the cross is freely available to all mankind.
We need to put into action the forgiveness of Christ. He forgave others even at the point of death and we need to share his forgiveness now while we are alive. Don’t wait until we are at the point of death. Jesus commanded us to seek and save the lost and make disciples.
Jesus, help us to forgive others and share your forgiveness to them. Help us to show them your love and that you desire to have a relationship with them. Give us guidance in speaking to reach them where they are, and to say what they need to hear. Give us boldness and courage to be great witnesses for you. If you could forgive those around you on the cross we prayed you will pour the same desire for the lost to us for those we meet each day. Amen
50 Days of Pray 