Supersize the prophetic spirit that energizes you ∙

Supersize the prophetic spirit that energizes you ∙

Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.” – 2 Kings 2:9

2 Kings 2:11-15

 11 As they were walking along and talking, suddenly, a chariot of fire appeared, drawn by horses of fire. It drove between the two men, separating them, and a whirlwind carried Elijah into heaven.

 12 Elisha saw it and cried out, “My Father! My Father! I see the chariots and charioteers of Israel!” And as they disappeared from sight, Elisha tore his clothes in distress.

 13 Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then, Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.

 14 He struck the water with Elijah’s cloak and cried out, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha went across.

 15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw from a distance what happened, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him.

Break free from the jaded, cynical, skeptical mask of adulthood. Envision yourself as a 10-year-old, once again having heroes you idolize. Allow your mind to wander. Daydream a bit. Who are your idols, and why? Do you aspire to be like them, and if so, why?

Heroes not only reflect our core values but also inform and shape our aspirations. Our core values influence our life choices and direction. While selecting a path doesn’t necessarily set our final destination in stone, it is crucial to understand what is significant to us. Each individual’s core values differ. Frequently, maturity has a way of improving them.

The concept of a “hero” was first introduced by the ancient Greeks. They perceived heroes as ordinary humans who carried out actions well beyond the capabilities of an average person. Heroes were simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary, serving as reminders of what was possible. They motivate us to reach our full potential and be all we can be.

Heroes embody our ideals and significantly contribute to defining those ideals. In many aspects, our ideals determine our conduct and aspirations.

The heroes we choose to admire profoundly influence our lives. However, we also have the chance to refine our choices and select better heroes.

A common misconception in contemporary society is mistaking fame for greatness. Figures like Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Taylor Swift, Freddie Mercury, and Michael Jordan are considered real or fictional “superheroes.” Nevertheless, fame does not necessarily equate to moral character and excellence.

We should reflect upon our heroes and what they represent to us.

What makes our heroes noteworthy? We pardon their shortcomings and defects, which expose their imperfections. Human heroes are always imperfect. Their frailties make them more like us. We can relate. Their triumphs over their human shortcomings should inspire us, not dishearten us. They expand our vision of what is possible for mere fallen people.

The Father has chosen to tell us about His “superheroes.” Their tales fill the Scriptures. Many were ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary feats: Amos, Jeremiah, Peter, and Esther. Conversely, some were exceptional individuals who regrettably made numerous poor decisions: Moses, Solomon, and Samson.

The Father’s heroes are often overlooked and ignored. They are not dismissed because their stories are familiar and therefore disregarded. Instead, it’s because their stories are not widely known. The Father has entrusted each of us, as children of the King, with the task of learning these stories. And then, we are to share the Father’s superheroes with others.

REFLECT & PRAY

Do you aspire to be a hero in your Father’s sight?

Father thank You for telling us who Your heroes are. The Scriptures are full of them. You even gave us a special list in Hebrews 11.

INSIGHT

Being a child of the King involves high aspirations and subtle thoughts. It’s about breaking free from monotony and societal expectations. It encompasses learning to love and cherish Him, His teachings, and His principles. It requires consciously deciding to lead a life based on His standards rather than one’s own.

Let us delve into the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elijah was a hero in Elisha’s eyes. He was captivated by the extraordinary spiritual energy and blessings that the Father expressed in and through Elijah. Elisha yearned to emulate Elijah and even surpass him.

This was precisely the Father’s plan. Elijah served as Elisha’s mentor, preparing him to take over when the time was right. Essentially, Elijah was grooming his own replacement. He was working himself out of a job. Elijah’s assignment was a daunting task for anyone. The demands of such an incredible responsibility far exceeded Elisha’s limited abilities. No doubt Elisha wondered, “How can I ever do it?” It would require power, immense spiritual power. The answer soon came.

2 Kings 2:9 Elijah asked Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken away from you?” Elisha answered, “May I receive a double portion of the prophetic spirit that energizes you.”

Elisha’s aspirations didn’t revolve around fame, materialistic acquisitions, or wealth. He sought spiritual power. He wanted the same raw spiritual energy that Elijah possessed, but more. He wanted it to be supersized! He was well aware of his own limitations and inadequacies. Elisha knew he would need a double portion, which he requested from Elijah.

But the Father’s power is His alone to bestow. Mere mortals cannot command or manipulate the Father. That goes without saying. But the point here is that Elisha had the boldness and confidence in the Father to ask.

As it turns out, this was the Father’s plan all along. It was His doing to bring Elisha and Elijah together. It was no mistake that Elijah became his mentor, training him not only to wield the power of God but also to develop the character and integrity necessary to shoulder such responsibility. Elisha’s request was granted. In a whirlwind, Elijah was taken home to be with the Father aboard a fiery chariot driven by an angelic charioteer.

Elijah’s cloak fell near Elisha’s feet, symbolizing the Father’s answer to Elisha’s prayer. Elisha picked up the cloak and returned to the Jordan River. Upon striking the river with the cloak, he exclaimed, “Where is the LORD, the God of Elijah?” Then the river divided, and Elisha crossed (2 Kings 2:14).

2 Kings 2:15 When the group of prophets from Jericho saw what happened from a distance, they exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!”

“Elisha made a big request because he had come to know a big God. What ‘big things’ might God be pleased to do in your life if only you would ask Him?” (Stanley) Spend some time alone and list your five greatest heroes. Reflect on why they are your heroes. Is it time to change heroes?

But more importantly, do you aspire to do great things for the Father? Is it time to ask in faith, Father, if you are willing supersize me?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-1-1

© Dr. H 2024

Ineffective prayer ∙∙

Ineffective prayer ∙∙

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. – James 5:16

James 5:16-18

 16 The energized prayer of a righteous man is able to do much.

 17 Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!

 18 Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.

There is no question about the sincerity and desire of our hearts and our prayers for others. Nothing can we do to enhance our tender feelings, lovingkindness, or persistence. Instead, let us focus on increasing our prayers’ authority, effectiveness, and energy.

Consider your favorite athlete at the pinnacle of their game. What do you see? They are executing their craft with a proficiency that leaves you in awe. Now, imagine them as a young child of five. You may already see sparks of the greatness they’ll achieve, but can they perform at the same elite level at this age? Of course not! What does it take to transform a 5-year-old child into an accomplished world-class athlete?

When it comes to prayer, assuming our heartfelt desire for others is for their best, we are too often just like 5-year-old children tugging on their parents’ clothes to obtain what we think is best. How do we become mature in our prayers with increased authority, effectiveness, and energy?

James 5:16 The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

In Greek, the word translated as effective is energoumen. What does effective mean? Effective means to have the power or ability to get things done, to put things into operation, or to execute. Efficacious prayers are capable of producing the desired effect or result.

Energoumen could be well translated as energized. The English word energy is derived from it.

Where does the energy come from? What energizes prayer? God makes prayer effective through the work of the Holy Spirit. Spirit-empowered prayers achieve the desired result. “Prayer is very powerful and energized (by God or the Spirit)” (Moo).

Successful prayer is energized prayer.

James 5:16 may be translated in many ways.

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results (NLT).

The energetic, passionate prayers of godly men have the power to accomplish much (MacArthur Study Bible).

The energized prayer of a righteous man is able to do much (fih).

Tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer! (TPT).

The energized prayer of a righteous man has much supernatural power (fih).

When James speaks of effective prayer, the unspoken implication is that there is also ineffective prayer. How can we tell the difference?

By the results!

Effective prayer is prayer that accomplishes something. More particularly, it results in the will of the Father being accomplished on earth.

Matthew 6:9-10

 9 Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

The Father is always at work around you. He invites you to become involved with Him in His work. He does not ask us to set goals, and then pray that He will help us achieve them. The kingdom of God is not a democracy. It is a theocracy.

When the Father reaches out to us, He already has His own agenda. He desires to invite us to leave behind our plans and aspirations and accompany Him where He is working. We are to relinquish ideas and ambitions. He leads us from being self-centered to being God-centered. When the Father reveals to you where He is working, that becomes His invitation to join Him in His activity (Blackaby).

Effective prayeris praying the Father’s will into existence. We must know what the Father wants to accomplish on earth and pray effectively that it will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

James 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

So, what sets Elijah apart from us? This is not a trick question. The simple one-word answer is: Nothing! Elijah knew what to pray and how to pray because he knew the Father’s plan. He heard the Father’s voice. The Father told him what to pray. Elijah’s assignment was to pray what he was told into existence.

1 Kings 17:1 Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”

1 Kings 17:2 The word of the LORD came to him, saying

1 Kings 18:1 Now it happened after many days that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, “Go, show yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the face of the earth.”

Praying is not a shot in the dark. It is not a net cast into the sea hoping for a good catch. Praying is working along with God to fulfill His divine plan (A W Tozer).

REFLECT & PRAY

Praying must be pressed and pursued with an energy that never tires, a persistence that will not be denied, and a courage that never fails (E. M. Bounds).

Father when it comes to prayer, I no longer want to be like a five-year-old child. Help me put on my grown-up clothes. Teach me the science of prayer. Equip me to pray effectively.

INSIGHT

Jeremiah 12:5 If racing against mere men makes you tired, how will you race against horses?

If we cannot effectively contend with little and overcome, how can we contend with much? How do we turn this around? We begin with where we are, assuming we are like little children and must grow up. We seek the Father to gently but firmly hold our hand as we begin to take baby steps on the path of effective prayer.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Effective prayer is a science whose laws can be learned and mastered. It is a skill that can be developed. Any child of the King can master it. Prayer is the hardest thing we will ever do. Being human, it is the one act we will be tempted to do less frequently than any other.

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.

No child of the King is greater than their prayer life. The two prerequisites to successful Christian living are vision and passion, both born in and maintained by prayer (Ravenhill).

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-10-1

© Dr. H 2024

Wise living ∙

Wise living ∙

If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. – Proverbs 15:31

Proverbs 15:31-32

 31 He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.

 32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.

In our fallen world, criticism is an inevitable part of being fallen creatures. However, the way we react to it can profoundly alter our reality. Cultivating the ability to respond appropriately to criticism is of great value.

“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body; it calls attention to the development of an unhealthy state of things. If it is heeded in time, danger may be averted; if it is suppressed, a fatal distemper may develop” (Winston Churchill).

“Constructive criticism includes timely and specific negative feedback with useful strategies for skill improvement, support, and encouragement” (Dr. Darnell Cole).

Constructive criticism serves as a catalyst for individual growth and learning. Both feedback and reproof are opportunities for success that should be fully utilized. They may offer fresh viewpoints and understanding of things we might have neglected or never thought about, paving the way for enhancement.

Both criticism and praise stir up powerful emotions within us, which, if not managed, can lead to self-loathing or an overinflated ego. The Book of Proverbs imparts wisdom about the power of positive reinforcement and sound advice: “Good news gives health to the bones . . .. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:30, 32).

In our imperfect world, criticism is a spectrum that ranges from mild admonishment to vehement rebukes and condemnation. Constructive criticism often includes reprimands, corrections, discipline, and similar elements.

The Father purposefully brings people into our lives to assist us toward spiritual maturation and service. His most precious gift to us is the word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and useful. It teaches us what is true and makes us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

How we respond to criticism and rebuke is our choice. The wisest choice is to learn to walk humbly with the Father and grow from criticism and praise.

The willingness to receive criticism and correction is the foundation of wise living.

REFLECT & PRAY

“The fear of the Lord is the willingness to humble oneself before God and to let His Word guide us” (Constable).

Father thank You for Your gifts of praise and criticism. May I humbly receive them both and grow and sharpened.

INSIGHT

What is the Father’s ultimate goal when providing reproof and discipline for the children of the King? He wants us to respond appropriately and lead a life filled with wisdom. It all begins with cultivating a deep reverence and respect for the Father. They are the foundation of knowledge and wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Do you want to be the best? Do you want to be with the best? Listen and respond to criticism correctly.

Proverbs 15:31 If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.

The Hebrew phrase translated as life-giving reproof, constructive criticism, or reproof that leads to life or wholesome admonition is quite striking. It helps unpack the meaning of the entire expression.

The Hebrew word chayyim, which is translated as life-giving, constructive, or wholesome, comes from the Hebrew term chay. Chay literally means life or living thing. Chay refers to anything that fosters the health or wellness of the body, mind, or spirit (UBS).

The Hebrew term translated as criticism or reproof is tokachath. Tokachath originally had more of a legal connotation, akin to presenting a case or argument. This is how it is used in the Book of Job.

Job 23:4 I would lay out my case and present my arguments.

Over time, it evolved to signify a reproof, reproach, reprimand, retort, rebuke, or admonition.

The Father’s constructive criticism isn’t designed to belittle us. Instead, its intended effect is to build us up.

What a beautiful idea! When the Father provides us with constructive criticism and life-giving reproof, He is at work to promote our well-being. The Father acts like a loving parent, encouraging each child of the King to become their best and live wisely.

He is striving to realize His dream for our lives. What role do we play in this? The onus is on us to master the art of responding appropriately. “A teachable person will become wise” (Ross). The question we are to ask ourselves as we move through the vicissitudes of life is, “Father, what do you want me to learn from this?”

How we respond to constructive criticism determines the people we are comfortable with. “Those who receive wise reproof will be at home with the wise” (Butler).

When we strive to be our best, new relational doors swing open for us. We will experience a newfound ease in the company of wise and godly individuals, finding ourselves naturally attracted to them. Conversely, old, unhealthy relationships often naturally fade and drop away.

1 Peter 4:4 Of course, your former friends are surprised when you no longer plunge into the flood of wild and destructive things they do.

The Book of Proverbs emphasizes that “willingness to acquire wisdom, and to listen to good advice, leads to wisdom or makes a person wise and successful in life. For this reason, it is probably best to understand this saying as ‘Whoever pays attention to helpful correction in life will become wise.’ CEV has ‘Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise’” (UBS).

Opting to live a life of wisdom is not without its demands. It requires a proper response to reproof and discipline. The results are well worth the effort. Reacting appropriately has the power to transform. It re-invigorates and alters our lives. It takes meekness and humility to be receptive and thankful for correction.

Matthew 16:24 Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.”

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-09-1

© Dr. H 2024

Healing hurts ∙∙

Healing hurts ∙∙

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. – Colossians 3:13

Ephesians 4:31-32

 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slanderous talk, and all types of evil behavior.

 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines “wounds that will not heal” as chronic wounds that do not heal after six weeks. These wounds may begin as minor scratches or pimples. They seem to get better but never heal completely.

How many American adults have “wounds that will not heal”? The number is surprising and staggering: almost 6 million American adults.

But what about spiritual wounds? How many of us carry them for years, decades, or even most of our lifetimes?

A woman in her eighties had become irritable, quarrelsome, sad, and bitter. Her life had no real happiness, and she never developed any deep and meaningful relationships with others. But was she physically ill? No, but she had a wounded heart. Her heart wound was chronic and never healed. Her aunt had said insulting things to her 50 years earlier. She simply could not forgive her aunt for what she had said. They never spoke again.

After over 50 years, she still had a vivid, detailed memory of the event in precise detail. It was as though what happened yesterday. All of the resentment, anger, and bitterness were still present. Sadly, she rehearsed it frequently. It was like watching reruns of an enjoyable TV program. But this poor lady’s reruns were anything but enjoyable. She was miserable and experienced chronic, reoccurring soul-sickness.

The Lord Jesus Christ had warned that if we refuse to forgive from our hearts, we are handed over to the torturers (Matthew 18:34-35).

It has been said that many children of the King are similar to porcupines. In winter, the cold drives them to huddle together to keep warm. But when they get too close to each other, they begin jabbing one another with their quills. Of course, the pain drives them apart. Unforgiveness is like a slow and dreadful dance. In and out we go, coming together and drifting apart.

Are there similar issues with unforgiveness in our own lives? How can we turn it around? Is it possible to make a fresh start?

The Lord Jesus Christ encountered a man who had a physical illness that lasted 38 years. Their interaction on the surface seemed very odd, even weird. When Jesus saw him, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?” (John 5:6). Rather than replying, “Yes,” the man went into a litany of complaints and sorrows.

Ask yourself, “Do I want to get well?”

“Forgiveness occurs when we stop saying, ‘Look what you’re doing to me,’ and start saying, ‘What can I do to relieve your hurt?’ That is when we forgive, when we are no longer concerned about self but are concerned about what we are doing to someone else as retaliation for what they have done to us” (Stedman)..

REFLECT & PRAY

“Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die” (Saint Augustine).

Father thank You for always forgiving me. Help me to focus on Your forgiveness so that I may forgive others as You have forgiven me.

INSIGHT

Why is it so hard to forgive? That question has been asked down through the ages. Innumerable answers have been suggested. Perhaps the answer is quite simple: fallen people are a bit narcissistic and self-centered. Of course, this is much more pronounced in some more than others. But our natural inclination seems to be to ask, “What about me?” We are the center of our own little worlds and seem somehow hardwired to retaliate and get even. The more we give in to this, the more resentment we feel. We struggle to forgive; we resist it and refuse to do so.

Forgiveness requires empathy. We have to break free from our self-focus and focus on others. Perhaps, putting it another way, we should focus on the good that other people have done rather than the pain, sorrow, and offenses we have experienced at their hands. But take it a step further. Suppose we can think of nothing good that another person has done. I visualize perhaps a literal torturer from the infamous period of the Inquisition.

At one level, that’s the way the Father sees fallen humanity.

Romans 3:10-12

 10 No one is righteous – not even one.

 11 No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.

 12 All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.

What did the Father choose to do? We, who are His children, know the answer. He decided to forgive us. Why would He make such a choice? God has a kind, gracious, merciful, loving heart. There is no limit to the Father’s love or forgiveness. Furthermore, not a day goes by in the lives of His children when they do not need forgiveness. He never withholds it.

Forgiveness is defined as “giving up resentment against someone and surrendering one’s right to retaliate no matter what the other person did.”

Unforgiveness is “a deliberate, willful refusal to give up resentment or an insistence that someone pay for a wrong that was committed” (Stanley).

Unforgiveness sounds like this: “Pay me what you owe.” “I demand an apology.” “Give me my rights.” “Let me have what’s coming to me.” “Treat me like I deserve.” “I demand to be treated with respect” (Stedman).

Do we want our wounded hearts healed? Do we want to be well? Healing begins only when we say “Yes.” It is up to each one of us to choose to embrace forgiveness. By doing so, we can experience release from unforgiveness. It is not a one-time choice; over time, you must continue to make the same choice.

If resentment and pain remain within our hearts, we can be freed from it by releasing others of the debt they owe us. Living or dead, those who have hurt us can be released from the pain that they have caused us.

Colossians 3:13 Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

There was a day in the life of each child of the King when the Father said, “You are forgiven, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Our sin debt was canceled, and we were cleansed, blameless, and set free.

That freedom can be the everyday reality of our lives, as we walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember, embrace, and visualize that moment.

Then, we will be able to forgive others as we have been forgiven.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-08-1

© Dr. H 2024

Unforgiveness and the torturers ∙∙

Unforgiveness and the torturers ∙∙

My heavenly Father will do that to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart. – Matthew 18:35

Matthew 18:31-34

 31 When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.’

 33 ‘Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’

 34 Then, the angry king handed him over to the torturers until he had paid his entire debt.

The effects of torture are often horrific, brutal, and persistent. In Western societies, where we do not subject individuals to torture for scientific study, the findings researchers arrive at are based on anecdotal evidence. These conclusions are typically drawn from surveys of survivors of torture, often from foreign nations. It’s important to note that torture isn’t always physical – a significant portion of it is psychological and emotional. Some of the most distressing elements of torture include loss of control, uncertainty, and dread of the future.

However, the good news is that victims of such heinous acts can receive treatment, and their lives can be reconstructed and restored.

Lord Jesus Christ focuses on a specific form of torture: the self-inflicted pain, grief, and torment that we endure when we fail to forgive those who have wronged us. Unforgiven sin spans a broad continuum. It could be minor resentments we harbor against those who have slighted or offended us in one way or another. It may involve significant losses, betrayals, severed relationships, loss of resources or material wealth, or severe cases of physical or emotional abuse.

Lord Jesus Christ uses the forgiveness of financial debt to illustrate all forms of forgiveness.

The narrative commences with Peter inquiring about forgiveness. Lord Jesus Christ clearly instructed the disciples on the importance of forgiveness. Consequently, perhaps considering himself rather generous and magnanimous, Peter questioned the extent of forgiveness required. How much is enough? He proposed a hypothetical situation: if his brother were to sin against him and Peter chose to forgive him seven times, would Peter have fulfilled his duty to forgive in the eyes of the Father?

Naturally, this line of thinking presumes that it’s acceptable to tally sins and keep track of them. It also assumes that monitoring the number of times we have extended forgiveness is the correct course of action. The first insight to grasp here is that the Father does not maintain a record of our sins. Therefore, neither should we. In other words, constantly keeping a count of others’ transgressions against us and continually recalling them is simply wrong. The Bible sets forth lofty and often unattainable standards. Love it keeps no record of being wronged (1 Corinthians 13:5).

I suppose Peter thought the Lord Jesus Christ would say, “Good job! How kind, generous, magnanimous, and selfless.”

However, His response was quite shocking. He multiplied 7 times 70 for a total of 490 times.

This suggests that forgiveness should extend far beyond seven times. But who’s going to track such a sum? Do we really believe that Lord Jesus Christ was advocating for precise record-keeping of incidents of forgiveness? Certainly not. Instead, He was proposing a radical approach to behavior for the children of the King. Lord Jesus Christ essentially instructed us to continue forgiving indefinitely. There is no cap on the number of times we should forgive.

In other words, “Never stop forgiving.” Forgiveness should become a fundamental part of our lives as children of the King. Our standards are vastly different from those of the world. The unspoken implication here is: stop counting at all.

Matthew 18:21-22

 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

REFLECT & PRAY

Dire things happen to people who choose not to forget and forgive. A transformed heart must result in a changed life that offers the same mercy and forgiveness as has been received from the Father (ESV).

Father I fall so far short of Your standards. Unforgiveness lurks in my heart and all too frequently jumps out and causes pain for others and torture for myself.

INSIGHT

To emphasize His message, Lord Jesus Christ tells a story involving three people. The first character is a wealthy master possessing great resources. The second character is a servant who is heavily indebted to this master, to such an extent that repaying it would be impossible. The third character is another servant who, unlike the first servant, owes a minor debt to the latter. Given enough time and opportunity, he could certainly pay off his debt.

Matthew 18:23-37

 23 Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.

 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars.

 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold – along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned – to pay the debt.

 26 But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’

 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

The first servant begged his master for forgiveness. His master felt compassion and forgave him for all of his debt. You would think the servant would be grateful and give forward the generosity he received, but he did just the opposite.

Matthew 18:28-30

 28 But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

 29 His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded.

 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

Word gets back to the master, who is infuriated by his servant’s lack of generosity, kindness, and compassion. Rather than offering forgiveness, he acts heartlessly and harshly. The master has the first servant arrested and turned over to the torturers.

Matthew 18:31-35

 31 When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened.

 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me.

 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’

 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

 35 That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.

Each of us has an insurmountable sin debt owed to our Father, a debt we could never hope to repay on our own. However, through the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ on our behalf, this debt has been fully paid. In gratitude, we should strive to follow His example and become sin-forgivers. We should wholeheartedly forgive others’ debts and then erase the mental records we’ve kept of them. We should renounce entirely keeping track of wrongs suffered and maintaining a mental tally of them. The Lord Jesus Christ had a single-word description for those who refuse to forgive sins and persist in keeping a running record of them. It is a sin.

To the extent that we choose not to forgive, we align ourselves with earthly, soulish standards, failing to meet the Father’s expectations. The consequences are severe. Failing to forgive results in torment. Do you live in constant torture, haunted by the memories of past wrongs? Or have you transformed into a merciful, gracious, and compassionate forgiver?

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-05-1

© Dr. H 2024