May 1, 2013 (1 Chronicles 14-15; Psalm 132; Matthew 18 )
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:35 NLT
Observation: The king decided to bring his accounts up to date. In the process one that owed him millions of dollars was brought in. The man did not have the money to repay the debt, so the king ordered him, his wife, his children and everything he owned to be sold to repay the debt. The man fell at his master’s feet and begged for mercy. The king was moved with compassion and forgave the man’s debt in full. But the man went out and found one that owed him little by comparison. Yet when this man fell at his feet and begged for mercy the man had none. He ordered the debtor to be thrown into prison until every last cent was repaid. The wicked servant had no idea his forgiveness was about to be overturned because of his lack of mercy on others.
Application: “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” This scripture should make us tremble. The thought of my heavenly Father overturning my pardon is heart wrenching. Oh how important it is to walk in the mercy and grace God has given us. Oh how important it is to extend to others the same mercy and grace God has extended to us. One day we will be called before the King to reconcile our account, what will be presented to Him? Will He discover we were wicked and unforgiving toward our brothers and sisters in Christ? Will we be revealed as wicked and unjust condemning others for the same things we were forgiven of? Let it not be so. Your pardon is being weighed in the balance against how you forgive others. Will it be found wanting?
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the pardon You have given me through Christ. Let me not take it for granted even one day! Remind me of the grace and mercy You have given me and help me extend that same mercy and grace to others, even my enemies. Help me forgive them from my heart, in Jesus name, Amen!