Father, this one would be appropriate every day!
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
….be pleasing in your sight,
….Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 NLT
Luke 12:10 (<<click to read the passage)
My wife, Karen, teaches 1st Grade and one of her main means of discipline for her students is a “Pull-a-Card” behavior management system. At the beginning of each day, each student has a total of 5 cards in a pocket with their name on it. When they break one of the class rules, she makes them pull a card from the pocket. The first card pulled serves as a warning. If they pull a second card, they lose a recess. A third card pulled means they cannot participate in the class’s monthly reward party. Card number four, a note goes home informing their caregivers. And finally, pulling the fifth card earns them a trip to the principal’s office.
Her kids all know the rules and know the ramifications of breaking the rules. Oh, and one more thing, if they can avoid pulling cards for an entire week – they get a treat at the end of the week!
When it comes to being an obedient follower of Jesus, we know the rules. Sometimes we may struggle as to what is right or wrong but, in most instances, we know. Another thing we know is that Jesus doesn’t have a “Pull-a-Card” behavior management system. If He did, I think my cards would be worn to pieces! Fortunately for us, Jesus forgives and forgives and forgives again! We have to ask for forgiveness but every time we do so, we are forgiven! That is one of the awesome aspects of following Him!
Jesus says in verse 10, “Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven…” That is great news! But… “anyone who blasphemes the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (emphasis mine)
This verse has worried earnest followers of Christ for generations. Many may ask, “How do I know if I’ve blasphemed against the Holy Spirit?! What does that mean even?”
Way back in Luke 11:15, some of those who opposed Jesus accused Him by saying, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”
That is the beginning of blaspheming the Holy Spirit.
My study Bible* makes it clear.
The unforgivable sin is attributing to Satan the work that the Holy Spirit accomplishes. Thus, it is the deliberate and ongoing rejection of the Holy Spirit’s work and even of God himself. A person who has committed this sin is far from God and totally unaware of any sin at all. If you fear you have committed this sin, be assured that your very concern shows that you have not sinned in this way.
God wants us to succeed in following Him! No need to pull a card, asking forgiveness is all He requires, and believe you me, the treat we receive for our obedience is simply out of this world!
*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation
July 15th, 2020, Wed, 8:42 pm
