Tag Archives: Sin

‘Forgiveness’ – easier said than done

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‘If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says ‘I repent,’ forgive him.’ (Luke 17:3b-4)

I have always found this verse to be a bit rich and pastorally insensitive. In fact this whole idea of what appears to be unconditional forgiveness seems to be a big ask – and it is not only mentioned here in Luke.

In the gospel of Matthew the disciple Peter asks Jesus ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ and Jesus answers ‘not seven times, but seventy-seven times’!

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Idolatry

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I just read Ezekiel 8-11 – it is shocking!

I found myself wondering how I would have responded if I was Ezekiel. God lifted him up and showed him the sin of the house of Israel and the leaders of Judah – and repeatedly stated ‘you will see things that are even more detestable...’ (Ezek 8:6, 13, 15, 17). The sin and rebellion of the people was shocking – insulting really. To set up an idol and then bow down to it – and to do that in the very sanctuary of God! That would be worse than inviting a prostitute to join you in bed when your spouse was in it! Or giving the PIN number to your joint bank account to a thief without asking your partner!

It is no wonder God was angry.

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The Watchman: Son of Man

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Son of Man…

  • Stand and I will speak to you
  • I am sending you to a rebellious nation – they are obstinate and stubborn.
  • Do not be afraid of them or their words – you must speak
  • Listen to what I say to you – words of lament and mourning and woe
  • Eat what I put before you.
  • Now go and speak my words, it is not to a people of obscure speech or a different language – you will understand them.
  • Listen carefully and take heart.

Son of Man, I have made you my watchman, so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.

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