April 9, 2024

Why did the Psalmist say… “that You may be feared?” The verse just prior to verse 4 above says: “If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” I think this is a very revealing scripture concerning Yahweh’s “grace” nature and His design for our relationship with Him… Yet, this marvelous truth simply puts the ball in our court… Yeshua said this:

“And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.” mat 6:12 nkjv… part of the “LORD’S Prayer.” Immediately after this Prayer, as instruction for how to pray, He says this:

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” [bold emphasis mine]… mat 6:14-15 nkjv

Now why is this issue the only item He emphasized concerning the “how to pray” instructions? I’m not sure… but it is a huge issue that has not been adequately taught and emphasized in our modern pulpit efforts among leaders. Also, much of our society [those with at least some knowledge of the Bible] seem to think tolerating an offender is suitable, and yet, so often they don’t understand the deep meaning of forgiveness… the kind Yeshua was talking about. Perhaps His most demonstrative example of forgiveness was His words on the Cross… “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”

I know of a situation where a person keeps a list of offenses that others have done to them… And, I have had persons come into my office [when I was in full time ministry] and after scriptural revelation and discussion on forgiveness, which they fully agreed was necessary, then, turn around as they were leaving, saying, “I will never forgive them.” Where is the disconnect here with these examples. I suggest that “knowledge is power,” [to bless or to curse one’s self], but if you knowingly curse yourself, you are afflicting your own soul… by choice, in this case you are enjoining the devil in trapping you. Where does this scripture fit into these examples?

“ Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.” 2 cor 2:10-11 nkjv

And,

“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26  But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” mk 11:25-26 nkjv…  sounds like, that if one wants Yahweh to hear their prayers, they need to forgive others or their prayers are irrelevant as well.

Over the years I have taught on many Biblical issues as an ongoing series, or as a one time lesson… One of my consistent teachings concerning forgiveness was using an example of one not willing to obey Yahweh’s one and only option for being forgiven, that by forgiving others, was by using the example of them being locked in a jail cell, with the “forgiveness key” lying inside their cell with them on the floor… the quick and sure way to freedom was in their hands… but some reject it; and the devil is a wicked and harsh jail keeper.

Notice the key to this Bible verse: “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope.” ps 130:5 nkjv…  Unless one forgives others, their “hope in His Word,” part is blocked out.

And, we know of the Scripture that says: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” rom 5:8 nkjv

I think a good demonstration of our understanding this remarkable sacrifice would be for us to put our own pride, flesh, and anger, on the cross and simply obey Yahweh and “forgive those who have offend us,” that we too can whisper in our own hearts, Father forgive them for they [may not know, do not know, or care] what they do. This is the key that unlocks our imprisoned soul, which amazingly, we are in control of. And it additionally opens up our circumstances for many spiritual rewards. There’s a modern remark that says, “Just do it,” and concerning forgiveness, it really fits… when truly done from one’s heart.

Shalom, John