Father, I would ask for Your strength this day. Yesterday was full, sleep last night was a bit fleeting, and today is full as well. Still, may I be of use to You. In the midst of it all may I not miss Your direction. Amen.
Matthew 12:31-32 (<<click the green)
This is a worrisome section of Scripture in that it is clearly stated that there is a sin that is unforgivable. My Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation shines some light on it.
“The Pharisees had blasphemed against the Spirit by attributing the power by which Christ did miracles to Satan (12:24) instead of the Holy Spirit. The unpardonable sin is the deliberate refusal to acknowledge God’s power in Christ. It indicates a deliberate and irreversible hardness of heart. Sometimes believers worry that they have accidentally committed this unforgivable sin. But only those who have turned their backs on God and rejected all faith have any need to worry. Jesus said they can’t be forgiven – not because their sin is worse than any other but because they will never ask for forgiveness. Whoever rejects the prompting of the Holy Spirit removes himself or herself from the only force that can lead him or her to repentance and restoration to God.” (emphasis mine)
Most people, if they were to find themselves adrift at sea, would be quick to take hold of a lifeline if it was extended to them. No one in their right mind would refuse it! That may be the case in regards to our physical safety, but time and time again humanity turns its back on the only spiritual lifeline that we have!
Lord, Your Spirit is always lovingly, aggressively, pursuing us. He is our connection to a compassionate and merciful Father. No one is ever too far gone to find forgiveness. I truly believe even those who have rejected Christ for years and years can still find forgiveness if they come humbly before You and as for it.
Lord, I know You use Your followers to provide a physical touch to those who do not know You. Use me, Father – touch others through me. Amen.
Apr 16th, 2018, Mon, 6:46 am
