The Forgiveness of Sins

“Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do’.” Luke 23:34 KJV

Your one year old grandchild is just learning to walk and as he staggers into something; he grabs a hold of it so that he doesn’t fall. Unfortunately, that something has a lovely vase on it that falls and breaks. What is your response? Sadly, we find shaken baby cases far too often in the papers to ignore what some people might do. But what about you? Will you clean up the mess and hold your crying grandchild who has been scared by the surprise ending of his stroll? Yes, you will. You will forgive him because he knew not what he did.

Jesus hung on the cross and prayed for forgiveness for those around Him. Who were around Him? There were the Roman soldiers, of course. But there were also Jews who had sought His death. There was John who had run away in the garden. There were you and I standing in the jeering crowd. He said, “Forgive them.” O blessed washing of grace! The forgiveness of sins is assured by His blood which was shed by love for us. I believe in the forgiveness of sins.

Almighty God, Thank You for the forgiveness of sins. Amen. 

  The Friday Benediction

Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend.  Amen