READ LUKE 17

Isn’t it wonderful to be forgiven by God? All of our sins have been paid for by the sacrifice made on the cross. Our redemption was made evident when Christ overcame death and gave us the promise of eternity with Him. The gift of forgiveness gives us complete freedom.

How different we feel when we must forgive another human being. Our minds are filled with anger, feelings of being abused or insulted and not wanting anything to do with the one who has wronged us..

In Luke 17 Jesus tells us that temptations surely will come our way, but we must take care not to be the one causing someone else to be tempted. He says,

“If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

I have never enjoyed confrontation. Whenever I’ve been involved in it, I feel horrible. If someone has wronged me, I find it difficult to forgive. I think that is the human nature in us. However, if we don’t find it in our hearts to forgive another person, we’re not only putting them in a bad place, but the wounds will fester and surely end the friendship or relationship. Remembering the freedom we feel knowing God has forgiven us should be the impetus to forgive others.

The disciples asked Jesus how they could increase their faith. Jesus answered by using the example of the mustard seed. This minute seed will grow into a huge tree some day, just as a small amount of faith will continue to mature. That little bit of faith will, in time, become strong enough to move mountains.

Jesus also talks about humility when he refers to the unworthy servant. A servant is required to do certain things, because it is his job. As humble servants of our Holy God, we also are required to live a certain way, follow the commandments and do His work, because we now serve Him.

In the parable of the ten lepers, only one returns to thank Jesus for healing him. This man is a Samaritan – an enemy of the Jews – yet he knew the compassion Jesus showed him. We don’t know what happened to the other nine, but this one took the time to give thanks for his healing.

In the final verses of the chapter, Jesus talks about His own suffering and death, the kingdom of God, and signs of the last days. We all need to prepare for those final days. He compared the time to that of Noah. I guess we haven’t yet reached that time of deprivation and falling from grace, but it is coming soon. Be ready!