SCRIPTURE: Luke 23:32-38
Imagine having given your heart to a certain cause and community of people.
Your heart, your desire, was to do whatever you could to bless, to serve, to care, to help.
Someone falsely accuses you of something, and though you are innocent, you are charged.
Things you said and did are twisted by the media, and by the lawyers, making you look guilty.
People you served, people you trusted, people you cared about, do not defend you.
Some turn their backs on you, some turn against you and join in the chorus of accusation.
Still others say nothing, but do not support you, for fear that they too will be smeared.
The justice system declares you guilty, and you are sent to prison.
The papers declare “Community Leader Goes To Jail”, the tabloids mock “Do-Gooder Does Time”.
Your good name is smeared, your good work is disparaged, your life is ruined, your future is bleak.
How do you respond, what is going on in your heart and your mind?
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
Pretty sure that is NOT what would going on in MY heart and mind.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, once again I am struck by how amazing – how shocking – Your love and mercy is. This kind of love and forgiveness is not normal in our world… but it needs to be.