Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 23, 24; Luke 19:1-24.
“And when they saw it , they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.” – Luke 19:7 (KJVS).
In Luke 19:1-10, Zacchaeus was a rich publican who knew of his sins and decided it was time to make up with God and accepted Jesus into his life. He heard that Jesus was coming to Jericho and inspite of the limitations of a big crowd and his short height, he made up his mind he must see Jesus. So he decided to climb a sycamore tree so that he could see him whenever he came. And God honoured his request despite his sin. But when the people saw that Jesus was going to meet Zacchaeus, they reacted in Luke 19:7 (KJVS): “And when they saw it , they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.”
Just as they reacted, there was the story of a clergy who tried to leave a godly life but was fond of condemning others. There was no repentance or forgiveness in his dictionary. And one day, a woman who was deep in evil decided to repent of her evil ways and so went to this clergy on the way forward. As usual, the clergy counselled her that she should continue in her evil ways as she could never make heaven because of her past. On her way out, the woman killed the clergy and later went to another clergy in the town and that one rejoiced with her for her change of ways and led her to God. Subsequently, she destroyed her old powers and decided to be fervent with God. A few days later she was killed and she appeared for judgment. Then the unforgiving clergy was the first who appeared for judgment and he was sentenced to hell for his unforgiving nature while the woman made Heaven!
The scripture tells us of the need to confess and forsake one’s sins in Proverbs 28:13 (KJVS), “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Jesus further emphasized forgiveness when he answered Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 (KJVS), “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? [22] Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” So you should forgive anyone that sins against you and also preach to others that God will forgive them their sins if only they will confess and forsake them.
Prayer: Father, forgive me my sins and give me the grace to live a life pleasing unto you in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero