Luke – Wide Open Doors

Jesus IS Forgiveness. Jesus is the model for forgiveness of others. Jesus took into himself and upon himself all our sins. Our sins were nailed to two rough boards strong enough to hold a man in place for all those passing by could see.
The cross was indeed the final word of our sins “paid in full”.

“…God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Romans 5:8, NLT
As the Forgiven, we must forgive others with grace and mercy like Jesus forgave us. Rise above this world and selfish thinking. Bow in humility to others, placing their interests ahead of your own. (Phil 2) Experience Heavenly Peace that comes with forgiveness.
Luke 23, New Living Translation
The Crucifixion


32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 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.
34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”

40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Just like the criminal of the cross, asking go the way of Jesus, we are assured we will be with Him in paradise. It is not what we do but who we are that opens the gates of heaven.
HOLY PAUSE

Who are we? Who am I?
Am I forgiven?
How long has it been since we had an honest talk with Jesus about our current situation, feeling and emotions, trust and faith in Him, for Him?

Are we working against His will or walking hand in Hand with His plan and purpose for us?
Who have we not forgiven? Are we waiting for them to ask for forgiveness before we let it go?
Forgive. Let it go. The Cross work of forgiveness has been done for all of us. Forgive like Jesus forgives you. Daily, if need be.
Dear Heavenly Father,

In Jesus Name, Amen
And I’m singing…(The Cross Has the Final Word, Newsboys)
The cross has the final word
The cross has the final word
He traded death for eternal life
The cross has the final word
(Oh, nothing higher)
Oh, the cross has the final word
(Nothing greater)
The cross has the final word
(All the power)
The Savior has come with the morning light
The cross has the final word.
And…I’m Overwhelmed, Big Daddy Weave
I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God
And all that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You
And God I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You
You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful
You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful
You are Glorious, You are Glorious
Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You…