The Forgiven Forgive

Matthew 18:25-27 tells the story of an employee who owed his employer a multimillion dollar debt. “And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.” Receiving forgiveness of a multimillion dollar debt requires the debtor to offer multimillion dollar forgiveness to those who owe the one who has been forgiven. God has forgiven us far beyond a multimillion dollar debt, so we should be patient with others and ready to forgive any hurt given to us.

Visiting Other Countries

I have traveled to many other countries. Therefore, I know what it feels like to be the visiting outsider. I don’t understand the things that are spoken to me, and I can feel out of place because the customs are different from my own. The people may be friendly and helpful, but I may still feel out of place.

Isaiah 56:6-7 says, “And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD, to minister to him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath and does not profane it, and holds fast my covenant- these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” Until we trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we are much like foreigners to God’s kingdom. After trusting Jesus, we begin to understand God’s Word and learn the ways of God’s people. No longer foreigners, we are welcome in God’s presence and enjoy the benefits of His kingdom.

Seeing Through To Other Side

I have driven through many storms,as we all have. Sometimes, the storms are so bad that I wasn’t able to see very far in front of my car. The fears rose as I struggled to find a place of safety. Matthew 14 tells the story of Jesus feeding the 5000 from only five loaves and two fish.

Afterward, He sent the disciples across the sea in a boat. Then, “but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.” The disciples were fearful, but Jesus came to them walking on the water and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” Looking around us at the storms of our problems, the world’s evils, and our worries only causes us to feel fear and anxiety. Jesus responds to us by saying, “Don’t be afraid; I AM.” He is Lord over all storms and will bring us safely through the storms to peace.

The Right Tool

Have you ever been working hard at a task and thought that if you only had a certain tool, you could easily finish the task. Or maybe you saw a great tool in your favorite hardware store and immediately thought how this tool would be so helpful to you. Perhaps you have longed to have a certain talent that would get you the attention that you desire.

The disciples faced a huge problem. Thousands of people had come to a remote place to hear Jesus teach. It became late and the people became hungry. One of the disciples, Andrew, spoke up and said, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9)  The problem appeared too much for the disciples because they only counted to seven; that is five loaves and two fish. They forgot that they had Jesus with them, and having Jesus with us is all we really need. Next time you have a problem, count to eight and trust that Jesus is with you, and He is all you really need.

Disqualified

An athlete who doesn’t play by the rules runs the risk of disqualification. We have seen athletes disqualified for starting a race too soon, running outside their lanes, betting on their events, and using illegal performance enhancing drugs. God has established a system that disqualifies some people from receiving eternal life. We must follow His rules for the game of life. Simply stated, we must forsake our sinful desires to serve ourselves and trust Him to forgive us and live for Him.

I Corinthians 9:26-27 says, “So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” Futility and aimlessness is walking in our strength only to do that which fulfills our own desires. Walking in fulfillment and purpose comes from abiding in the strength of God and doing what pleases Him.