Intro: During Holy Week, seven staff members from Cypress Creek Christian Church will reflect on the same passage of scripture from Luke’s Gospel. Today, it is Rev. Clara Lewis…
Scripture: Luke 23:33-34
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.
Thought for the Day: When I read this Scripture, I am overcome with wonder at how Jesus could ever have forgiven the atrocities He endured for our sake. And then, I am reminded of an interview that I once saw with a woman who had suffered the unspeakable horrors of a Japanese concentration camp during World War II some 40 years before. The interviewer probed and challenged the remarkable peace that the woman had when recalling the experience, the absence of any vengeful thoughts regarding her persecutors, and, in fact, her forgiveness for the unforgiveable. The woman told of the last time she saw her beloved husband and sons before they were taken away, cruelly tortured and murdered. The last thing her husband said to her as he begged her not to harden her heart, was this,
“…it is not the experience that will kill you, it is bitterness.”
The power one gives to his or her enemy and any that would seek to destroy is to permit the capture our soul, our mind, our spirit, with bitterness and anger. Through Jesus’ dying words we come to understand that through our forgiveness of others and our acceptance of the forgiveness of God, we are set free.
Prayer: O Lord, what Wondrous Love have you given to all of us who deny You when we injure our brother and sister or allow ourselves to be consumed by the wrongs we have suffered. What Wondrous Love have you taught us through your rejection of bitterness and spite for all You endured so that we might have Salvation. Cleanse our hearts, our minds, and our spirits of all bitterness and hate. Empty our souls and fill us up with the Joy of Your Salvation and Love – yes, even for our enemies. Amen.
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