Thursday, April 05, 2012
Three Words Rock the Universe
Victim Forgives Lynch-mob
An incredible story was circulated in Jerusalem shortly before the first Easter. It seems that a condemned criminal shocked onlookers with one short sentence. This was followed by earth tremors and a darkening of the sky. A doctor who witnessed the event told this story: “When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:33-43 NLT)
Jesus showed the world that forgiveness is more powerful than a devil-inspired, beard-plucking, two-faced, lynch mob that swarmed over a hill called Golgotha gloating in their politically-correct lynching. After being beaten within an inch of his life, Jesus hung naked for 6 hours as His precious blood oozed from hundreds of undeserved, man-inflicted wounds. Bugs terrorized him and ungrateful people guffawed as the sins of all mankind settled on his shoulders. The entire episode was detestable, illegal, inhumane, cruel, self-righteous, unjust and barbarian. Did Jesus play the victim card? No. He prayed, “Father forgive them.” No wonder there was an earthquake and an eclipse. It was a poignant demonstration of unconditional love for all mankind to behold and emulate. He said three words: “Father forgive them…” Can you say that?
Someone may ask, “How could Jesus forgive when no one was apologizing?” Forgiveness is a power of its own. It is proactive. It takes charge. It is the right thing to do even when those who offended you have no intention of saying they are sorry. Forgiveness is like antibacterial soap. It does not wait for germs to change their nature; it just cleans a person’s heart and soul without seeking permission from the gunk of bitterness, revenge and self-pity. What if we were to forgive as often as we use soap?
Jesus took the initiative to forgive before his antagonists even thought about saying “I’m sorry.” Now, all anyone needs to do to be forgiven is ask. (1John 1:9). But we need to say father forgive them before we say father forgive me. Furthermore, all we have to do to have our record of sin expunged is to be baptized in Jesus name (see Acts 2:38). And all we need to do to receive power to live a godly life is pray that God would fill us with His Spirit like He did the Apostles (see Acts 2:4). Calvary made a way to forgive and be forgiven.
So, there Jesus hangs for the whole world to see. His marred countenance and convulsing body are saying: “You can make fun of my parents, you can kick me out of your churches, you can ignore my miracles, you can condemn me in a kangaroo court and publicly humiliate me, you can spit at me, pluck my beard and laugh at me, but I am still going to love and forgive you. My forgiveness will rock the universe.”
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