Luke – Wide Open Doors
The ultimate act of forgiveness is to forgive when no apology is given, accusations and insults still fly, and you are being nailed for what they think you have done as told by others who do not know the Truth. How do we forgive them?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”.
Jesus forgives his enemies from the cross. Jesus forgave and forgives us now when we ask. Jesus is the only One who can forgive us completely and forever. Once forgiveness is given, it is finished. God’s Plan to save us completed. There is NO greater love than this…“…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
26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
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,
I am overwhelmed at your act of forgiveness this morning. We get easily offended by others remarks caused by human frustrations in and out of your church. Help us to extend forgiveness quickly before they ask, extending the same kind of grace You gave to us. Help us to pray for our criticizers the way you prayed for yours when you were mocked and dice thrown for your clothes. Wow, yes I am overwhelmed by the depth of your love for us and price paid for our salvation. You are the model of forgiveness. You are forgiveness. Be our strength to always forgive first and keep moving along with you to achieve your purpose and plan in us. To YOU be all glory, honor and praise. You are God and we are not. Only through Jesus is forgiveness complete.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…
