For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Luke 17
Do you have someone you need to forgive repeatedly? What keeps you from obeying Jesus’ words about forgiveness? Hmmm….what exactly are Jesus’ words about forgiveness here? I don’t really see Him saying, “forgive everybody all the time no matter what”. Perhaps we find something closer to that kind of message other places, but I sure don’t see it here. First, Jesus’ words here are specific to “brother or sister”, which I am of the understanding refers to fellow believers (the NIV notes, “a fellow disciple”). Second, Jesus says, “if they repent.” So the message becomes, “forgive fellow believers as many times as they repent.”
That leads me to two questions. One – are they really repenting if they keep on doing the same thing? And two – how are these comments connected to Jesus opening statement about not causing “these little ones” to stumble? To the first question, I note that Jesus only said that if they say “I repent”, you must forgive them. He never said that we are to judge whether or not they actually do repent. So, in trying to put all of this together – and I know that I may not have it right – I hear Jesus saying here that we need to be careful that our lack of forgiveness does not push a struggling believer away. Rebuke them, yes. But then lovingly pick them up and help them try again. And again. And again…
Gen. 33-34
What can you learn here about resolving conflicts with others? In yesterday’s reading, Jacob prayed that God would save him from the hand of his brother, Esau. Then he promptly set about implementing his own ‘protection plan’. In today’s reading, God makes it clear that the answer to Jacob’s prayer came from Him and not from Jacob’s efforts. “But Esau said, ‘I already have plenty, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.’” (Gen. 33:9). It seems that Esau had long since forgiven Jacob and the gifts were unnecessary. At that point, it seems to me that Jacob’s gifts to Esau became a genuine gift of gratitude rather than an effort to save his own skin. The ‘why’ behind our actions matters.
It also seems to me that none of this was lost on Jacob. When he named the alter that he set up in Shechem, I believe it was the first time that Israel acknowledged God as his own. Overall, Jacob seems like such a reluctant participant in God’s great Plan. He truly did wrestle with God. Even so, God was always there with His undeserved, steadfast love. That love that God showed toward Jacob is the same love He showed toward the nation that bore his new name – Israel. And it is the same love that He shows toward us. How do we keep such a love to ourselves and not share it with those around us?
Ps. 8
What does this psalm say about God? About human beings? “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” (Ps. 8:2). I can’t quite say what it is about that verse that amazes me. Maybe it is because it is so unexpected. We humans would be looking for the praise of the high and mighty; of important people. Children and infants aren’t exactly influencers! Yet it is the praise of the innocent and the helpless through which God displays His greatness and His majesty. Isn’t it just like God to do something so unexpected?