the truth? let's just be honest here: we don't get it very much. if Peter didn't get it, i don't think i get it very much. forgiveness is difficult, and very painful, and sometimes, it seems impossible. in fact, Peter here asks, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven."
dang. even when we think we get Jesus, we don't. Peter thought he was overdoing forgiveness, but he wasn't even close. back in the days, Jewish law only required people to forgive 3 times. but Jesus pretty much tells him, "no, Peter... you don't get it. you don't get it at all."
and as i was reflecting on all these thoughts on my run today, as "O the Blood" came on my iPod, it all hit me when the words of the third verse came on: "O what love / No greater love / Grace, how can it be / That in my sin / Yes, even then / He shed his blood for me." and right there, i had to take a quick break from running as a few fat tears rolled down my face. forgiveness is only possible with Christ's love. and love is not only an emotion or words, but love is only true love when it is demonstrated. we can tell someone all we want that we love them, but until we're willing to die and sacrifice for them, it's a selfish love.
and love was demonstrated when in the last hours of his life, Christ carried his own cross to be beaten and spat on when he did not deserve it. even the criminals besides him recognized that he did not deserve the punishment. but even while we were sinners, Christ forgave us. He shed his blood for us. Christ died for us. gosh, wow. just wow. i'm left speechless.
looking forward to good friday service tonight. until then, let me leave you with this song:
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