1 Samuel 24:10 (KJV) Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD'S anointed.
David is called “a man after God’s own heart”. There is no one thing that can be pointed to that would fully explain this description but I believe that the story recounted in 1 Samuel 24 helps to explain God’s regard for His servant David. David was on the run for his life. Saul, the King who David had been anointed to replace (but not just yet it would take 15 years from anointing to appointing), was determined to kill him. David and his men were hiding in a cave that Saul went into leaving his guards outside the cave.
For you Bible scholars the King James uses a euphemism in translation, “cover his feet”. As a child, I was always taught that Saul was sleeping. He wasn’t. This was an old English way of saying “answer the call of nature”.
As Saul was preoccupied, David’s men saw this moment as a chance for David to end his suffering and hiding by claiming what God had told him was his when Samuel anointed him King. Now all he had to do was kill Saul and take the crown. When we view our authority as the enemy it is easy to reason this way. We can fight against them and devalue them. Hasn’t God anointed my life? Don’t I hear from God? We can see all their faults and failures (often pointing them out to others) and feel like it is up to us to remove them from their position.
David didn’t see it this way. With all human reasoning telling David to attack the King, David refuses and honors his authority. The way we view and treat those in authority over us is directly related to the growth of our faith. When Jesus saw the Centurion, who spoke wisely of those in authority, He declared that in all of Israel He had not seen such great faith. Instead of killing Saul, David secretly cut off a piece of his robe and then watched as his tormenter walked away unhurt. David actually protected Saul from death at the hands of David’s friends.
We could learn a lot from David. In the smelting room of God’s furnace when the heat was applied, David came forth as gold. When we feel wronged do we lash out and try to seek revenge or do we wait on the Lord and show honor and love even to those that despitefully use us? This is perhaps one of the hottest parts of God’s oven but it is there that the image of Christ is brought forth.
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forgiveness. Show all posts
Monday, November 4, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Dirty Sandals
1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Yesterday we discussed the root of rebellion which is bitterness and the seed of bitterness which is unfulfilled expectations. The story of Johnny and his Father can be compared to countless other situations involving loved ones that have not been able to fill the desires and expectations we have projected on them. Husbands, wives, siblings, bosses, and employees have all been disappointed and faced the choice to forgive or to hold a grudge. Then the anger builds and we become even more aware of the deficiencies in our loved ones. Even the NSA could not gather as much dirt as one who is harboring the hurt of disappointment. Soon every word, every look, every non-word, and every look away becomes proof of our foregone conclusion. We have judged the one that hurt us and they are undeserving of forgiveness.
I read this morning a lengthy poster stating that it didn’t matter if you were a man, woman, gay, straight, black, white etc. if you were nice to that person they would be nice to you. This thinking, while it sounds lofty and noble, is unbiblical. God didn’t call us to be kind to our friends and those that treat us well. He called us to love our enemies and to be kind to those that despitefully use us. I have seen those that would feed the homeless and shelter the hurting but could not bring themselves to draw close to their family members. Often the greatest challenge we face is not to love those that we don’t know but to love those that we know the best.
In Christ we find God’s example of perfect love and forgiveness. Knowing what we had done and what we were going to do, Christ died for us. I have often wondered how He could love those that were crucifying Him. I believe that in order to complete the redemption of sinful man Christ had to love the Father. More than His love for man, more than His desire to free us, Jesus loved the Father. In the garden Jesus was ready to find another way. The cross seemed to hard and perhaps His 33 years on earth had gotten His sandals a little dirty. Christ was not eager to carry the cross but in that quiet place with God He found the strength to love the unlovable, to die for the uncaring, to pay the ultimate price for those that would reject Him.
When, in our own human effort, we try to find forgiveness and love there might not be a compelling reason. But when we draw close to Abba Father our hearts are filled with His great love. When we trust in God no matter what may come our way, we find that obedience is always better than sacrifice.
Yesterday we discussed the root of rebellion which is bitterness and the seed of bitterness which is unfulfilled expectations. The story of Johnny and his Father can be compared to countless other situations involving loved ones that have not been able to fill the desires and expectations we have projected on them. Husbands, wives, siblings, bosses, and employees have all been disappointed and faced the choice to forgive or to hold a grudge. Then the anger builds and we become even more aware of the deficiencies in our loved ones. Even the NSA could not gather as much dirt as one who is harboring the hurt of disappointment. Soon every word, every look, every non-word, and every look away becomes proof of our foregone conclusion. We have judged the one that hurt us and they are undeserving of forgiveness.
I read this morning a lengthy poster stating that it didn’t matter if you were a man, woman, gay, straight, black, white etc. if you were nice to that person they would be nice to you. This thinking, while it sounds lofty and noble, is unbiblical. God didn’t call us to be kind to our friends and those that treat us well. He called us to love our enemies and to be kind to those that despitefully use us. I have seen those that would feed the homeless and shelter the hurting but could not bring themselves to draw close to their family members. Often the greatest challenge we face is not to love those that we don’t know but to love those that we know the best.
In Christ we find God’s example of perfect love and forgiveness. Knowing what we had done and what we were going to do, Christ died for us. I have often wondered how He could love those that were crucifying Him. I believe that in order to complete the redemption of sinful man Christ had to love the Father. More than His love for man, more than His desire to free us, Jesus loved the Father. In the garden Jesus was ready to find another way. The cross seemed to hard and perhaps His 33 years on earth had gotten His sandals a little dirty. Christ was not eager to carry the cross but in that quiet place with God He found the strength to love the unlovable, to die for the uncaring, to pay the ultimate price for those that would reject Him.
When, in our own human effort, we try to find forgiveness and love there might not be a compelling reason. But when we draw close to Abba Father our hearts are filled with His great love. When we trust in God no matter what may come our way, we find that obedience is always better than sacrifice.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Bitter Waters
1 Samuel 15:23 (KJV) For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Johnny worked all day to finish his chores so that he could be ready when his father came home. He had waited all week for this day to come. His Dad had promised to take him fishing and when he came home from work they were going to take the boat to the lake. He didn’t get to see Dad very much and this was going to be a special day. When the boy saw the car pull into the driveway his heart jumped, it was time! His Dad got out and walked into the house without saying a word. Johnny followed him waiting for the word to pack their equipment in the car. Instead, he heard his Dad telling Mom that he was going to Uncle Fred’s house. How could he do that? How could he forget him and let him down? Johnny went in his room heartbroken and determined that he would never trust Dad again.
There are many parts of this story that seem to be left unsaid. Had the Dad done this before? Why did he not keep his promise? Shouldn’t he have taken the time to explain to his son? But life is like that. We are often disappointed with no explanation of why. Life is not fair and can be capricious. We don’t have control over the circumstances that often seem to hijack our lives. But there is one thing we do have control over – how we respond.
I have spoken to many “Johnnies” that allowed an unfair moment in their lives to define them. Inevitably the root of the problem is bitterness. The heart of the one that felt wronged had become bitter. They had expected better and been sorely disappointed. It hurt and they allowed that hurt to fester and grow into a deadly disease that blackens the soul and hardens the heart. Bitterness is the breeding ground of sin and unfulfilled expectations are the walls that define it.
You might be wondering why I am talking about bitterness when our Scripture is about rebellion and stubbornness. The word translated “rebellion” is from the Hebrew word “meri” which the Strong’s Concordance tells us comes from the root word “marah” or bitterness. What a striking picture of the source of rebellion. Bitterness! Rebellion is the fruit that springs forth from the root of bitterness. What good can come from such an evil fountain? Death and destruction are the destination and men are carried away by their own will, not realizing that they have been overcome by the sin of witchcraft.
Many who sit in church every Sunday carrying grudges and resentments are caught up in this deadly journey. They hear the message of hope and long for the blessings of God but refuse to loose their grip on the hurts that have defined them for so long. They stumble in the dark while trying to follow the light, snared by their own devices. Their joy and peace has been subverted and they cannot find it in them to come under the authority of those that have been placed in their lives as a covering. This ultimately leads them to even reject God who is our ultimate covering and authority.
Instead they make up their own God that they can define and control. One that doesn’t require anything from them or lead them through the fire of refinement, and they cling to this false image stubbornly refusing the deliverance that God brings through obedience to His Word.
Perhaps there is someone reading this that has been justifying their hurt. As the Holy Spirit has been reminding you of the one that you need to forgive and go be reconciled with you have once again tried to bury that Divine longing with human reasoning of the many times you have been wounded and hurt. Today you can begin a journey along a different path. One that will lead to restoration and healing, but only if you are willing to lay down those excuses and put away the hurts that have become a cherished part of your life. Don’t let them define you anymore. Instead be transformed by the love of God and learn to live.
Johnny worked all day to finish his chores so that he could be ready when his father came home. He had waited all week for this day to come. His Dad had promised to take him fishing and when he came home from work they were going to take the boat to the lake. He didn’t get to see Dad very much and this was going to be a special day. When the boy saw the car pull into the driveway his heart jumped, it was time! His Dad got out and walked into the house without saying a word. Johnny followed him waiting for the word to pack their equipment in the car. Instead, he heard his Dad telling Mom that he was going to Uncle Fred’s house. How could he do that? How could he forget him and let him down? Johnny went in his room heartbroken and determined that he would never trust Dad again.
There are many parts of this story that seem to be left unsaid. Had the Dad done this before? Why did he not keep his promise? Shouldn’t he have taken the time to explain to his son? But life is like that. We are often disappointed with no explanation of why. Life is not fair and can be capricious. We don’t have control over the circumstances that often seem to hijack our lives. But there is one thing we do have control over – how we respond.
I have spoken to many “Johnnies” that allowed an unfair moment in their lives to define them. Inevitably the root of the problem is bitterness. The heart of the one that felt wronged had become bitter. They had expected better and been sorely disappointed. It hurt and they allowed that hurt to fester and grow into a deadly disease that blackens the soul and hardens the heart. Bitterness is the breeding ground of sin and unfulfilled expectations are the walls that define it.
You might be wondering why I am talking about bitterness when our Scripture is about rebellion and stubbornness. The word translated “rebellion” is from the Hebrew word “meri” which the Strong’s Concordance tells us comes from the root word “marah” or bitterness. What a striking picture of the source of rebellion. Bitterness! Rebellion is the fruit that springs forth from the root of bitterness. What good can come from such an evil fountain? Death and destruction are the destination and men are carried away by their own will, not realizing that they have been overcome by the sin of witchcraft.
Many who sit in church every Sunday carrying grudges and resentments are caught up in this deadly journey. They hear the message of hope and long for the blessings of God but refuse to loose their grip on the hurts that have defined them for so long. They stumble in the dark while trying to follow the light, snared by their own devices. Their joy and peace has been subverted and they cannot find it in them to come under the authority of those that have been placed in their lives as a covering. This ultimately leads them to even reject God who is our ultimate covering and authority.
Instead they make up their own God that they can define and control. One that doesn’t require anything from them or lead them through the fire of refinement, and they cling to this false image stubbornly refusing the deliverance that God brings through obedience to His Word.
Perhaps there is someone reading this that has been justifying their hurt. As the Holy Spirit has been reminding you of the one that you need to forgive and go be reconciled with you have once again tried to bury that Divine longing with human reasoning of the many times you have been wounded and hurt. Today you can begin a journey along a different path. One that will lead to restoration and healing, but only if you are willing to lay down those excuses and put away the hurts that have become a cherished part of your life. Don’t let them define you anymore. Instead be transformed by the love of God and learn to live.
Friday, September 13, 2013
When It's Too Hard
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
Corrie Ten Boom wrote of a meeting she had with one of the guards from the concentration camp where she had suffered and her sister had died in her book “The Hiding Place”.
“It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there—the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsie's pain-blanched face.
He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. "How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein," he said. "To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!"
His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.
Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.”
There are times when mercy just doesn’t come naturally. Our flesh rises up against what we know to be right and truth takes a back door to the pain and suffering that we have endured. In this moment the enemy lays a trap for our soul.
It is easy to say that we cannot forgive. We can blame our fleshly nature. We can say that we are not yet “mature” enough in the Lord. We can reason that the offense was just too great. But whatever the reason the result is always the same. Our heart begins to harden. The Holy Spirit is grieved and we begin to lose our ability to love those that God has sent us to rescue.
It is comforting to know that when the road is too steep. God is always there if we will call on His Name. “Give me Your forgiveness.” I don’t have enough. I have reached the bottom of my barrel. I need you, Lord.
In the meeting with the SS guard it was not the guard who was set free but Corrie Ten Boom. She was rescued from certain disaster in her soul. A festering that only God had seen. I don’t think the meeting was an accident of fate. I know that God placed that man right in the path of His beloved daughter. Her love was multiplied and her effectiveness for God increased above anything that she could have planned. God has a way of doing that if we call on His Name when the enemy comes in like a flood. Don’t be afraid to face those overwhelming moments when you look into the impossible and quietly pray, “Give me your strength.” “Give me your forgiveness.” “Give me more grace.”
Corrie Ten Boom wrote of a meeting she had with one of the guards from the concentration camp where she had suffered and her sister had died in her book “The Hiding Place”.
“It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower room door in the processing center at Ravensbruck. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there—the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, Betsie's pain-blanched face.
He came up to me as the church was emptying, beaming and bowing. "How grateful I am for your message, Fraulein," he said. "To think that, as you say, He has washed my sins away!"
His hand was thrust out to shake mine. And I, who had preached so often to the people in Bloemendaal the need to forgive, kept my hand at my side.
Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.
I tried to smile, I struggled to raise my hand. I could not. I felt nothing, not the slightest spark of warmth or charity. And so again I breathed a silent prayer. Jesus, I cannot forgive him. Give me Your forgiveness.
As I took his hand the most incredible thing happened. From my shoulder along my arm and through my hand a current seemed to pass from me to him, while into my heart sprang a love for this stranger that almost overwhelmed me.”
There are times when mercy just doesn’t come naturally. Our flesh rises up against what we know to be right and truth takes a back door to the pain and suffering that we have endured. In this moment the enemy lays a trap for our soul.
It is easy to say that we cannot forgive. We can blame our fleshly nature. We can say that we are not yet “mature” enough in the Lord. We can reason that the offense was just too great. But whatever the reason the result is always the same. Our heart begins to harden. The Holy Spirit is grieved and we begin to lose our ability to love those that God has sent us to rescue.
It is comforting to know that when the road is too steep. God is always there if we will call on His Name. “Give me Your forgiveness.” I don’t have enough. I have reached the bottom of my barrel. I need you, Lord.
In the meeting with the SS guard it was not the guard who was set free but Corrie Ten Boom. She was rescued from certain disaster in her soul. A festering that only God had seen. I don’t think the meeting was an accident of fate. I know that God placed that man right in the path of His beloved daughter. Her love was multiplied and her effectiveness for God increased above anything that she could have planned. God has a way of doing that if we call on His Name when the enemy comes in like a flood. Don’t be afraid to face those overwhelming moments when you look into the impossible and quietly pray, “Give me your strength.” “Give me your forgiveness.” “Give me more grace.”
Thursday, September 12, 2013
They Alone
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
Jesus was emphatic about who would be blessed as He spoke this beatitude. “Blessed are the merciful, for they..”. They Alone! The word leaves no room for distraction. The blessing of being merciful is that you stand in a class all by yourself. God gives mercy only to the merciful.
James writes to us, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.” James 2:13
Jesus told us, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Those that are prone to legalism misconstrue this passage to think that salvation and mercy from God can be earned by acts of mercy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Salvation is through the grace of God and cannot be earned in any way.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast”. Ephesians 2:8-9
Let’s just stop for a moment and let that thought permeate our spirit. “Not of works.” By grace through faith! There is nothing you can do or will do that saves you. It is the gift of God received through faith! Soak that in. Let it overflow you. Free you. Empower you. This is settled by the Word of God and cannot be debated or argued away.
So what did Jesus mean “If we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven?”
To understand we must turn it around. Those that have been forgiven by a merciful God and have the Spirit of God living in them will be merciful. We are the product of what lies within us. If the Spirit of God dwells in you then you will bring forth the fruit of His Spirit. Mercy will rejoice deep in your spirit as it springs forth to those that are in distress.
The old song says, “I’ve been changed. I’ve been newborn now. All my life has been rearranged.” That is what the love of God living in the heart of men will do. I am forgiven and I can’t help but forgive those that have trespassed against me. I have received mercy and mercy now overflows my soul. I can’t hold it back and I don’t want to hold it back.
Yes, I am blessed! Not because of work that I have done but because of the work that Christ has done in me.
Jesus was emphatic about who would be blessed as He spoke this beatitude. “Blessed are the merciful, for they..”. They Alone! The word leaves no room for distraction. The blessing of being merciful is that you stand in a class all by yourself. God gives mercy only to the merciful.
James writes to us, “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shown no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.” James 2:13
Jesus told us, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14-15
Those that are prone to legalism misconstrue this passage to think that salvation and mercy from God can be earned by acts of mercy. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Salvation is through the grace of God and cannot be earned in any way.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast”. Ephesians 2:8-9
Let’s just stop for a moment and let that thought permeate our spirit. “Not of works.” By grace through faith! There is nothing you can do or will do that saves you. It is the gift of God received through faith! Soak that in. Let it overflow you. Free you. Empower you. This is settled by the Word of God and cannot be debated or argued away.
So what did Jesus mean “If we don’t forgive, we won’t be forgiven?”
To understand we must turn it around. Those that have been forgiven by a merciful God and have the Spirit of God living in them will be merciful. We are the product of what lies within us. If the Spirit of God dwells in you then you will bring forth the fruit of His Spirit. Mercy will rejoice deep in your spirit as it springs forth to those that are in distress.
The old song says, “I’ve been changed. I’ve been newborn now. All my life has been rearranged.” That is what the love of God living in the heart of men will do. I am forgiven and I can’t help but forgive those that have trespassed against me. I have received mercy and mercy now overflows my soul. I can’t hold it back and I don’t want to hold it back.
Yes, I am blessed! Not because of work that I have done but because of the work that Christ has done in me.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
God Has A Plan
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
Mercy is not just feeling compassion but it is taking action to help the one in need even when we have been wronged. In Genesis 37 we read the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. If you remember the story his brothers were going to kill him. They didn’t repent of that motive but only saw a chance to make some money from Joseph’s misery by selling Him to the Midianites. Because of their actions Joseph spent 13 years as a slave and in prison before being made Pharoah’s overseer.
Separated from his family at the age of 17, a slave or in prison for 13 years, and then 9 years serving Pharoah, Joseph never wavered in his trust for God. He was not controlled by the rejection and vitriol of his brothers. He never gave place to bitterness. It would have been easy to become angry with God for the trouble that he went through because of his brother’s actions. Instead Joseph accepted the will of God and ordered his life to bring God glory.
It was 24 years after that fateful day when Joseph’s brothers stood before him. He had power to payback every injustice they had done to him. He held their lives in his hand. He not only forgave them but he embraced them, wept with them, and provided for them – abundantly! His mercy was epic and foreshadowed the Messiah.
Jesus was despised and rejected by men. Sold to the tormentors and imprisoned, He willingly gave Himself to God’s will. Raised up by the power of God, Jesus is seated at the Fathers right hand and has been given all power in Heaven and Earth. When we stand before Him guilty of the betrayal and pain that He endured it is in His power alone to decide what should become of us. Jesus lifts His hands so that we might see the scars in them as He reveals Himself to us. Weeping He embraces us and draws us into His presence. Forgiven and loved we stand recipients of divine mercy and are ushered into the abundant blessings of the One that gave Himself for us.
When Joseph revealed himself to his brothers he told them,
"Don't be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This is the place where mercy is found, the place where we can reach beyond the struggle and passions of betrayal to a higher plane. Can you say of the struggle, hurts, and pitfalls that others have caused in your life, “but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done”?
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Turning Point
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7
I had struggled all of my life to be somebody. I am smart and worked hard to get ahead, always looking for a way to make it big. When the King became an investor in my latest business venture it was the biggest break of my life. The King gave me over a million dollars to start my business but then it seemed like everything went wrong. It wasn’t my fault the orders fell off and my partners pulled the plug. There was nothing I could have done to salvage the business. I’m a ruthless business man that can squeeze blood from a turnip but sometimes that just isn’t enough.
The King has summoned me to the throne and demanded His money back. The future was bleak. Prison and the cold hunger of solitude were destined to be my tomorrow. There was nothing I could do. I was broke and my friends deserted me long ago. Then I thought, perhaps I could appeal for mercy. If the King sees my misery, maybe he will empathize.
As I approached the throne, the grandeur of the palace overwhelmed me. The King sat high and lifted up regally viewing all that took place around him. I saw the man who had been summoned before me shaking his fist at the King in defiance.
“I will never bow to you!” He shouted.
The King ordered him to be thrown into prison. The guards drug him out of the room screaming and kicking. Chills ran down my back as I watched. I was next.
I knew I had to do something. Falling down on my knees I crawled to the steps that ascended to the throne. I don’t think I could have bowed any lower.
“Have patience with me, Lord. Give me a little time and I will pay you every cent” I cried. There were even tears streaming down my face.
I waited for the judgment. Maybe He would shave off a few years from the punishment. What? I must be mistaken! Did He just say what I thought He did?
“Loose him! I will forgive him this debt.”
Yes! I knew I still had it. I had lived my life to succeed. I had worked hard. The King must have seen that in me. It is good to be me. I thought.
Walking out of the palace that day I saw one of the deadbeats that owed me a little money. It wasn’t much but a debt is a debt. If guys like him had paid me on time I wouldn’t have had to grovel before the King. When I asked him for the money he started whining and telling me about his family and little boy being sick. That sure doesn’t pay my bills. I summoned the police and had him thrown in jail. Let him sit and think about what it’s like to be without and have to grovel.
I was at home enjoying a fine dinner with my family thinking how blessed I was to be able to enjoy the fruit of my labors when they came busting through the door. The Royal Guard! Before I knew it I was back in front of the King and this time I didn’t get a chance to bow. The guard was forcing me to the ground, his foot on my neck.
“You wicked servant! I forgave you all your debt because you asked me.”
Yeah! That’s right, Lord! You did. Remember! I deserve better than this.
“Should you not have had compassion on your fellow servant like I had on you?”
What? He didn’t deserve mercy! He had never done anything for me. He was a deadbeat. This is totally not fair!
Anyway, that is how I got into this place of torment. There is no way I can ever make the money to pay the King what I owe Him. I will die in this place without hope because I didn’t understand that in order to receive mercy we have to give mercy.
So why are you here?
I had struggled all of my life to be somebody. I am smart and worked hard to get ahead, always looking for a way to make it big. When the King became an investor in my latest business venture it was the biggest break of my life. The King gave me over a million dollars to start my business but then it seemed like everything went wrong. It wasn’t my fault the orders fell off and my partners pulled the plug. There was nothing I could have done to salvage the business. I’m a ruthless business man that can squeeze blood from a turnip but sometimes that just isn’t enough.
The King has summoned me to the throne and demanded His money back. The future was bleak. Prison and the cold hunger of solitude were destined to be my tomorrow. There was nothing I could do. I was broke and my friends deserted me long ago. Then I thought, perhaps I could appeal for mercy. If the King sees my misery, maybe he will empathize.
As I approached the throne, the grandeur of the palace overwhelmed me. The King sat high and lifted up regally viewing all that took place around him. I saw the man who had been summoned before me shaking his fist at the King in defiance.
“I will never bow to you!” He shouted.
The King ordered him to be thrown into prison. The guards drug him out of the room screaming and kicking. Chills ran down my back as I watched. I was next.
I knew I had to do something. Falling down on my knees I crawled to the steps that ascended to the throne. I don’t think I could have bowed any lower.
“Have patience with me, Lord. Give me a little time and I will pay you every cent” I cried. There were even tears streaming down my face.
I waited for the judgment. Maybe He would shave off a few years from the punishment. What? I must be mistaken! Did He just say what I thought He did?
“Loose him! I will forgive him this debt.”
Yes! I knew I still had it. I had lived my life to succeed. I had worked hard. The King must have seen that in me. It is good to be me. I thought.
Walking out of the palace that day I saw one of the deadbeats that owed me a little money. It wasn’t much but a debt is a debt. If guys like him had paid me on time I wouldn’t have had to grovel before the King. When I asked him for the money he started whining and telling me about his family and little boy being sick. That sure doesn’t pay my bills. I summoned the police and had him thrown in jail. Let him sit and think about what it’s like to be without and have to grovel.
I was at home enjoying a fine dinner with my family thinking how blessed I was to be able to enjoy the fruit of my labors when they came busting through the door. The Royal Guard! Before I knew it I was back in front of the King and this time I didn’t get a chance to bow. The guard was forcing me to the ground, his foot on my neck.
“You wicked servant! I forgave you all your debt because you asked me.”
Yeah! That’s right, Lord! You did. Remember! I deserve better than this.
“Should you not have had compassion on your fellow servant like I had on you?”
What? He didn’t deserve mercy! He had never done anything for me. He was a deadbeat. This is totally not fair!
Anyway, that is how I got into this place of torment. There is no way I can ever make the money to pay the King what I owe Him. I will die in this place without hope because I didn’t understand that in order to receive mercy we have to give mercy.
So why are you here?
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