dennis j adams

When the game is on the and the competition rises to the height of all human awareness there has to be a winner. No ties allowed in this game of life. No neutral zone or comfort spot, not even a seat on the bench. It is the “Just Do It’” zone. That is what Jesus was communicating in the story of the the man who owed such a great debt (Matthew 18:24-33).

Mercy was in competition with unforgiveness and mercy will always be the winner. Taking revenge out on someone after you know what the truth should be is nonsense. Here is a man that was deeply in debt to his master and had no way to pay it off. His family, his livelihood, all his possession were going to be torn from him! This sounds familiar to all those that know what it is to be forgiven of sin. No way to pay the debt of sin and Jesus shows up with a “Paid in Full” (John 17; Hebrews 1:1-3). In this story of mercy, this man is forgiven of all debt! He is given another chance with his family and all his possessions. He truly was guilty and deserved the worst, everything that the master had proclaimed! The master though, showed such mercy because of the man’s repentance and deep sorrow. You would think that this man would turn and give what he just received, he received a gift that he did not deserve: The gift of mercy! The man soon forgot what it was to be forgiven and his ego and self-made success (through forgiveness) brought out of his heart anger and revenge. He left all the appreciation at the place of forgiveness and did not bring it into the “new” life he had been given.

The one who could have been freed was put into prison and in turn the one forgiven lost his joy and freedom also. Here a great lesson is being taught to all that will listen. When a person is given such freedom through mercy and begins to share vengeance and judgement with terrible recourse will also be contained in a place of torment and fear. Here was the chance to simply release someone from a small debt, much smaller than the one previously owed, yet no mercy!

Jesus plainly states that the heavenly Father will do the same if we do not forgive from our heart. This mercy that we want to “reflect” on as the idea of men is not that at all. It is a God created mercy that is given to us by Him and we are expected to do the same with the gift that He gave to us! Forgiveness is always the winner in the competition of life. Mercy will always give certain death to revenge and hate.  As Jesus stated what we have received we must freely share.  I am glad that He did not turn his back on us at Calvary! He stated: “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (John 19:30 ESV) Do not go through life turning away from forgiving all! Continue to share the mercy freely shared in your life.

He who follows righteousness and mercy. Finds life, righteousness, and honor. (Proverbs 21:21 NKJV)

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.