Matthew 18:22. Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
‘Oh Friends, it’s Monday,’ I say in a low voice, as I enter the barracks. But nobody moves, not even the resident mouse. So I shout: ‘Oh Friends, it’s Monday!’ And surprise, surprise, pillows, blankets, books, and some unmentionables come hurtling through the darkened room at me. But I steadfastly stand my ground behind my massive shield of faith, and they either hurtle by aimlessly or bounce off my shield and fall harmlessly to the ground. Then when the air clears, I lower my shield and jubilantly declare: ‘That’s what you can do when you’re fully dressed in your spiritual armour.’ Hn, hn, hn! Anyway, enough lollygagging people, it’s Monday, time to be up and at ‘em. A war to the death is being fought. The workweek battle lines have already been drawn. The enemy’s soldiers are already on the prowl for stragglers and malcontents. Meanwhile, our leader Jesus is at the front line devising strategy, waiting for us to show up. So let’s sing our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, then get on our chargers and ride. Altogether now in loud harmony: ‘Oh Lord God Almighty, Creator of the universe and all therein! We, your humble servants, praise your Holy Name and thank you that this Monday morning we have jobs to go to; jobs we don’t like, jobs that are unfair, difficult and even dangerous, but which serve a useful purpose here on earth; keeping lives and families together. We also thank you Father for the renewed vitality and enthusiasm you’ve wrought in our weary souls over the last two days. It’s that rejuvenation of Spirit which allows us now to sally forth with confidence into the evil, ungodly world that surrounds us, to begin a new week of work, constantly buffeted and bombarded by the enemy’s wicked taunts, wiles and lies. But heavenly Father, we’re not afraid, for we know we’re invincible, sure conquerors, once we’re wearing your powerful, protective spiritual armour. We surrender our all to you, and humbly ask that you let your incredible aura of LOVE, the Holy Spirit, lead and guide all your servants as we go out to meet the enemy in battle. Fill us with steadfast faith, so that we can make worthwhile inroads into the enemy’s ranks, and thereby further your glorious kingdom. We pray this in the Holy Name of your Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. AMEN!’ And while we’re riding to battle, let’s ponder our Bit: ‘I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.’ Remember Friends, forgiveness is a must in God’s kingdom. If we want to be forgiven, we must first learn to forgive. And remember too, that it’s mainly for out benefit, not for anyone else’s. We know it’s not always easy to forgive, especially with some of the serious hurts and pains we experience in this life. But as the Good Book advises, if we consistently take all our troubles, big, small and in between, to Jesus in prayer, He will most certainly help us to bear our earthly burdens. Now let’s hear what another man of great faith, Bruh Paul, had to say about forgiveness. Regarding the new life in Christ, he wrote to the Ephesians: ‘Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.’ (Eph.4:31-32) And to the Colossians, re the Christian virtues, he advised: ‘Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies (tender mercies), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing (bearing with) one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.’ (Col.3:12-13) Yuh see Friends, forgiveness is the major thread in the knitting. If you pull that thread out, the rest of our faith unravels right before our very eyes. And just to try and hammer home the point, let’s end with Mark’s version of Christ’s warning words on the subject of forgiveness. ‘And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught (anything) against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.’ (Mark 11:25-26) Oh my people, there’s no more to say, for that says it all. So I’ll leave us to ponder that dire warning, or wise advice, however you choose to categorize it, and hopefully we’ll all take it to heart, and eventually learn to forgive. Much LOVE!…to have a forgiving spirit…is the surest way to receive forgiveness…