Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance.-Proverbs 14:9
“I forgive you all your sins…”
Good Lutherans hear these blessed words every Sunday. Good Lutheran Pastors consider it a privilege and an honor to speak these words, indeed, I thank God for the day I will speak these words of peace at Good Shepherd for the first time.
But, for many, many American Christians these words are scandalous. For many people, hearing a clear word of forgiveness is uncomfortable. Have you ever told someone that you forgive them? You’d be surprised at the kinds of responses you might get. “Who do you think you are to forgive me?” “You think you’re better than me that you can forgive me?” “Who made you God Almighty? I don’t need your forgiveness!”
Do you hear the hint of mocking in these responses? It is the same foolishness of mocking a guilt offering. The guilt offering is just like the sin offering; there is one law for them. Leviticus 7:7
Why is it so foolish to mock the gift of forgiveness? Because to mock the gift of forgiveness says that you do not need that forgiveness. To say you do not need forgiveness is to say that you have not sinned.
Good Lutherans hear these blessed words every Sunday. Good Lutheran Pastors consider it a privilege and an honor to speak these words, indeed, I thank God for the day I will speak these words of peace at Good Shepherd for the first time.
But, for many, many American Christians these words are scandalous. For many people, hearing a clear word of forgiveness is uncomfortable. Have you ever told someone that you forgive them? You’d be surprised at the kinds of responses you might get. “Who do you think you are to forgive me?” “You think you’re better than me that you can forgive me?” “Who made you God Almighty? I don’t need your forgiveness!”
Do you hear the hint of mocking in these responses? It is the same foolishness of mocking a guilt offering. The guilt offering is just like the sin offering; there is one law for them. Leviticus 7:7
Why is it so foolish to mock the gift of forgiveness? Because to mock the gift of forgiveness says that you do not need that forgiveness. To say you do not need forgiveness is to say that you have not sinned.
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8
The fool mocks the love and forgiveness of God in Christ. The upright, the wise take delight and enjoy the acceptance found in that complete and free forgiveness.
Wisdom does not mock the holy gifts of God. Wisdom knows the truth. Hear Wisdom, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
The fool mocks the love and forgiveness of God in Christ. The upright, the wise take delight and enjoy the acceptance found in that complete and free forgiveness.
Wisdom does not mock the holy gifts of God. Wisdom knows the truth. Hear Wisdom, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
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Blessed Lord God, may we ever enjoy Your total acceptance and forgiveness in Christ Jesus. Turn us from the foolish way of mockery and disdain for Your Holy Gifts, namely the Living Word and the Blessed Sacraments. We seek our wisdom and righteousness only from You, Holy God, for You are the only source of Truth and the only way to eternal life. Hear our prayers as we come before Your throne of grace in the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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