Bible Reading: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38
Memory verse: “Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.” Luke 23:34 (KJV)
The words of Jesus in the above verse of scripture came at a point in time when He was going through excruciating pains, yet from His heart He asked for forgiveness on our behalf even when we didn’t deserve it. The religious leaders with their followers had succeeded in rallying the people against the Son of God. So, both the leader and the followers and all are guilty.
Yet, the bible says about the Lord in 2 Peter 3:9b (KJV), “but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” His wish is to see us repent and come closer to Him. That is why Jesus is going through pain on our behalf. As the maker of man He feels pained whenever any life is lost especially without fulfilling purpose.
The story of Solomon’s wisdom in the judgement of the the two harlots in yesterday’s bible reading gives us an insight of how God feels whenever a soul is being lost. Through wisdom from God Solomon asked for the child to be divided in two, and give halfs to each of the women. 1 Kings 3:26 (KJV) tells us, “Then spake the woman whose the living child was unto the king, for her bowels yearned upon her son, and she said, O my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said, Let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it.”
The way the woman’s ‘bowel yearned’ for her son is the way God yearns for His children. Jesus exemplified this when, despite the pains He was going through, asked for man’s forgiveness even though justice demands that man be punished for his sins since God is a God of justice. The other woman depicts the devil who doesn’t create but comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10).
Your life matters to God. Living your life the way you like is contrary to your maker’s plan for you. Accept Jesus today as your Lord and saviour and allow the Holy Spirit lead you on how to live to please Him. As you do, your life brings pleasure to Him who created you.
Prayer: Father, open my eyes to see myself the way You see me.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu