September 16, 2023

Dear Road Church Friends,

Mercy is the core value of Christianity. Forgiveness is the highest form of love. “Father, Forgive them” were Jesus’ last words spoken for the benefit of the very people who condemned him to the cross, and who mocked him as his life slipped away. Jesus’ dying words show us enemy-love in its purest form, and God’s undying love for a sinful world.

“Forgiveness is Jesus’ first and last word to the world. He began his ministry on the theme of forgiveness, saying to the crowds who listened, “blessed are the merciful for they shall receive mercy.” The Gospel reading for this coming Sunday is a parable Jesus told his disciples in response to Peter’s question, “if someone wrongs me how many times am I obligated to forgive?” This is a good question. Sunday we will think about Jesus’ answer.

SERMOM: Forgiveness

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:21-35

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his clients. When he began the reckoning, one who owed him 10,000 talents was brought to him; and, as he could not pay, his Lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. So the man fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the Lord of that man released him and forgave him the debt.

But, as he was leaving, he came upon one of his fellow clients who owed him 100 denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, ‘Pay what you owe me.’ Then his colleague fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt.

When his fellow clients saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their Lord all that had taken place. Then his Lord summoned him and said to him, ‘I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your colleague, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his Lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.

So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

     THE QUALITY OF MERCY    

by William Shakespeare

The quality of mercy is not strained,

It dropped as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed:

It blesses him that gives and him that takes.

‘It’s mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes

The throned monarch better than his crown:

His scepter shows the force of temporal power,…

But mercy is above this sceptered sway,…

It is an attribute to God himself;

And earthly power doth then show likes God’s,

When mercy seasons justice. Therefore…

Though justice be thy plea, consider this—

That in the course of justice none of us

Should see salvation. We do pray for mercy;

And that same prayer doth teach us all to render

The deeds of mercy.

Blessings to you all,

Pastor Norm

This service on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/b44XzIk4PRc?si=yuhYGYupLHaND8c_