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Posts tagged "forgiveness"

Missing Persons

New Testament Reflection

As Luke says at the beginning (v 11), this story is about two sons. The heading in the CEV gets this right. So often it is referred to as the parable of the prodigal (i.e. wasteful) son, and the second half is ignored. Remember, Jesus is speaking to a mixed audience, tax collectors and sinners, on the one hand, and the religious elite on the other. So we’ll look at both brothers.

Everything about the younger son is despicable. What’s he thinking of, squandering his inheritance in this way?

Read More father, child, relationship, love, forgiveness

Do No Harm

Old Testament Reflection

Few people actually go out of their way to deliberately hurt others. That probably cannot be said of liars or gossipers or people who bear false witness. But, most people mean well, and want to do what is best for themselves and for others. The problem is, even good people can do harm. We can make a bad decision or say the wrong thing or say the right thing in the wrong way, or ignore someone who reaches out to us and we don’t see them, or we fail to give a word of encouragement because at that moment we are too self-centered.

Read More consequences, forgiveness, restoration, harm

Forgiveness Is the First Word

New Testament Reflection

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong”, a great man once said. Jesus first word from the cross is recorded in this passage and it is a word of forgiveness (34).Forgiveness must be the first word for us as well in that we need to receive it and we need to extend it. We need to receive it because we cannot begin our spiritual journey without embracing the promise of Christ.

Read More forgiveness, today

No Gloating

Old Testament Reflection

Edom (“red”) was the place where Esau fled when his brother Jacob received the birthright in exchange for red soup (Genesis 25:30, 32:3). Family feuds run for generations, and there was continual hostility between the Edomites and the Israelites in the Old Testament.

The country lies immediately to the south of Judah and is sometimes known as “Seir.”

Read More forgiveness, mercy, judgment

Unwashed and Smelly

New Testament Reflection

How you would feel? He kneels before you and draws the clay basin near. Strong hands loosen your sandals. He lifts your grimy, smelly foot to the side and brushes the grit from between your toes. Debris from the long walk today falls away. He lowers your foot into the cool water.

You inhale and exhale with pleasure and unexpected relief.

Read More service, forgiveness, footwashing, humility

Black Murder

New Testament Reflection

Unaware that this is Jesus’s last meal, the disciples celebrate Passover with him. In the privacy of the upper room, they listen eagerly as Jesus teaches the way to live. But, they are somber tonight. Jesus has frightened them lately with dark words of the end looming. Jesus is in danger from the crowds who have turned on him.

Read More evil, betrayal, repentance, forgiveness, Judas

It Could Be Us

New Testament Reflection

The story of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus is well known. So are all the mistakes he made (like losing his nerve and his faith when he tried to walk on water) and the mistakes and blunders all the disciples made.

It’s easy to judge from a safe distance.

Read More grace, despair, forgiveness, restoration, failure

“But How Can This Be?”

New Testament Reflection

Have you ever pondered the miracle of wireless internet? How does it work? As a journalist from the Boomer Generation, I pride myself on being an early adapter of technology when it’s helpful. Today we pay bills, send documents, and access the latest news from around the world with only an invisible network connection – no cables. Amazing.

Read More Messiah, healing, forgiveness, sign

God’s Incredible Patience

New Testament Reflection

Stephen thunders on with his fundamental charge – “you are always fighting against the Holy Spirit” (v 51). This was the story of Israel and the current Jewish leaders were just being true to type in Stephen’s view. It did not matter how often and in how many diverse ways God communicated with Israel, the response was the same – disobedience.

Read More Holy Spirit, forgiveness, God’s patience

A Complicated History

The people of Israel had a long history of conflict and trouble with Moab, their neighbor to the east. Moabites had enticed them into worshiping their gods (Numbers 25:1-2) and King Solomon had taken Moabite wives (1 Kings 11:1, 7). They had been oppressed by the King of Moab (Judges 3:12-30) and had been at war (2 Kings 3:27).

Read More forgiveness, grace, understanding
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