Forgive Us D02042022

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CASNFCI SCRIPTURE & PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Forgive Us:

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”. —Luke 23:34

What is Jesus saying? In his last hour, Jesus was saying a prayer, a request to God Almighty. It is remarkable, however, that Jesus isn't asking for himself! I would be terrified and overwhelmed, trying desperately to retain my composure. My prayer would probably be: "God help me!" if I could utter any sounds at all. Jesus' prayer is one of complete unselfishness. He is concerned for the people who are responsible for crucifying him and is asking God to forgive them. Instead of thinking of himself and his own needs, he is thinking of those whose souls are in much greater danger than his own. The first thing I learned from this word is love. At his last extremity, Jesus loves. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, …, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hope, always perseveres. Love never fails …”. As Jesus begins the last phase of his life dying on a cross hung between earth and heaven, he prays for all of us who put him there. Without any shame at the intimacy of his love and the authenticity of his Sonship as the lamb sacrifice for the redemption of mankind He calls out to his Father; "Father, forgive them." Jesus is under no illusions. He knows why he has come to earth. He explains it with utmost clarity to his disciples: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" Mark 10:45.

You and I made the cross necessary. We are also the ones he prays to forgive And so we pray the prayer ourselves: Father, forgive us.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you that Jesus offered his life for us. Not because we deserve it, but out of your great mercy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rev. Isaac G. Y Bangalu Founder & CE

Couples & Singles Network for Christ Initiative

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Thank You.