FATHER, FORGIVE THEM

 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do"(Luke 23:34).

A twelve year old boy pays a visit to the museum with his school group. There he stuck the gum he had been chewing on a painting worth 1.5 million dollars [approximately 13.5 billion rupiah]. The gum left a stain the size of a 500 rupiah coin on Helen Frankenthaler's abstract painting The Bay. Authorities at the Detroit Institute of Arts weren't sure if they could remove the stain. The boy was later suspended by the school. "I don't think the child understands the consequences of his actions," said a school administrator.

In Luke 23, Jesus offered a remarkable prayer for those who did not understand the consequences of their actions. He begged His Father to forgive those who would kill Him (verse 34). They insulted the Son of God by whipping him, spitting on him, mocking him, and putting a crown of thorns on his head. They pierced His hands and feet and pierced His stomach. Although they did not understand all their actions, through the death of His Son, God granted forgiveness to all who repented and believed-even to the murderers of Jesus.

Because of our sins, we all have a part to play in the murder of Jesus. However, the good news is that God is truly gracious. He will forgive and remove the stain of sin, and give us a second chance through His Son --MLW

THERE IS NOTHING THAT DOES NOT DESERVE GOD
'S FORGIVENESS BUT HUMAN BEINGS MUST RECEIVE THAT FORGIVENESS

*) Take From Daily Meditation