Celebrating the resurrected life of Jesus Christ this week brings to mind a scripture in three of the four Gospels in the New Testament: Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23…..
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me’.”
I delight in the fact that no matter how long we read the Bible we will find new understanding and revelation that will enhance and bless our lives. One that came to my mind this week was on the above Scripture.
The focus of course, is on Jesus, what He did, how He suffered for mankind, forgave and changed the world forever! Thank God we dedicate a day to celebrate, honor and rejoice for our good fortune and love on Jesus, the man, the person He is for us today! But, how do we take up our cross and follow Him?
I am sure there are many answers to the question. I respectfully want to share mine! When Jesus said, “Father Forgive them, they know not what they do!” set in motion a supernatural phenomena that will never end. Forgiveness and repentance have more power spiritually than an atom-powered locomotive on a down hill track. That declaration of forgiveness and the payment of His blood, His life, has taken the penalty of sin in the world, for those who chose to accept His gracious selfless gift–available to each and every person on the planet.
We can pick up our cross, and do as He did, in forgiving others. (John 20:23) This really does take denial of self, because most of the time we don’t feel like forgiving. Wonder how much Jesus felt like forgiving as He hung on that cross racked with pain, having taken the weight of the world upon himself? The magic of forgiveness is not a game or a shallow act of being humble but a decision of our will to have the will of the Father in Heaven, not ours!
It is not always easy…..but always possible! Because God has put supernatural power in the act of using our will to do His. Sometimes we must get rid of our judgment of the person or incident to forgive. Sometimes we need to be healed of the hurt or pain, to forgive. But, the greatest power and reward comes when we forgive out of our pain, as Jesus did!
Forgiveness is not:
- Stuffing our feelings and emotions!
- Condoning the act–“Oh, it’s OK.”
- Taking part in–“Well, it’s just this once.”
- Agreeing with–“Well, everyone does it.”
Forgiveness is, giving our pain, hurt and offense to a Heavenly Father, because the price has already been paid by Jesus, and the very act and declaration by a decision of our will, cleanses, heals and restores!
Jesus died once and was resurrected to give abundant Life…..just once….and every year we are reminded because of Him we too, can deny self, pick up our cross and follow Him. What a precious Easter gift He has given us!
Forgiveness never loses it’s power or effect. Forgiveness can restore relationships, bond groups and communities together, end wars and most of all, bring the presence of God right into our lives! Thank you, Lord–You are so special and more than enough in every situation!
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!
Pressing in and pressing on….
Note: If you are new to this Blog, you are invited to take advantage of the FREE BOOK OFFER given on the page to the right of an indepth study of this subject on forgiveness in the book–THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!