For the next seven days, our devotions will focus on the seven last words of Christ. At our Good Friday Worship at 7:00 p.m. on April 14, we will hear these words read aloud again and mediate upon them through prayer and song.
Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with Jesus. When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. (Luke 23:32-34)
Jesus forgave the Roman government and soldiers who beat, tortured and crucified him. He forgave the religious leaders for their blindness to God’s work in him. He even forgave Judas for betraying him. Yet, Jesus was never reconciled to their way of life. He was never ok with people going hungry, and religious folk and government being ok with that. He was never ok with treating people with less dignity because of their ethnic identity, religious background, or gender identity, and religious folk and government being ok with that. He was never ok with untreated disease, mental health issues, and disabilities causing pain and suffering for young or old alike, and religious folk and government being ok with that. How do we follow Jesus? How do we hold in our hearts forgiveness and love for those who hurt us and others, yet persist in Jesus mission and ministry to give peace and healing to all?
Prayer & Meditation: Lord Jesus, fill me with forgiveness. Teach me to love all who you love.