Estimated reading time: less than 5 minutes:-)
Psalm 103:10-14 says, “He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.”
How much mercy can Christ give? Here’s a short story from a few months ago—all about the immeasurable grace that Jesus gives his children.
April 26, 2020
A man, coming home from work, curses God as he stands in the rain. His umbrella has failed him, and now the suit he paid too much money for is soaked. “God Dammit. Dammit dammit dammit.” He chants it like a mantra.
“I cursed your name,” the man says, 47 years later. He is standing before Jesus, heaven surrounding him.
“I forgive you,” Jesus says.
A woman is desperate. Her husband left six years before and now her three children are hungry and she has no job. She’s considered it before, but never actually followed through. Passing through the grocery store, she slips some Ramen noodles into her purse, zipping it closed so no one can see.
Decades later, her children are grown and she is far away from their lives. “I didn’t trust you,” she says. “I lied and tried to control what I couldn’t.”
“I forgive you,” Jesus says.
A man is on TV; the news is praising him for the charity he’s founded. He knows God called him to start the nonprofit years before, but the flashing cameras are so alluring…
“Sir, what inspired you to start such a fantastic business?”
“Just came to me one day. The mind is brilliant, isn’t it?” he laughs.
Years later, he trembles before the king. “I took credit for your work, God.”
“I forgive you,” Jesus says.
A king sits in his palace, basking in a warm glow. His kingdom is like no other. A servant enters the chamber, bowing before him as the king sips wine. “Your majesty, the prisoners have arrived.”
“Kill them all,” he says, and takes another swig.
After the king has fallen he drops to his knees before Jesus. “I killed your children. I hurt your people. I thought I was king.”
“I forgive you,” Jesus says.
A serial killer, humbled before the king.
A corrupt politician, eyes wide at the red he finds on his own hands.
A rapist.
A child who resents his father.
A son who hates his mother.
A student who thinks he’s done no wrong.
And a man who hoards his money.
Jesus surveys his creation, and whispers, “I forgive you.”
Four soldiers squat in the sand, tunics brushing the earth. Above them a man hangs on a tree, blood dripping from his body like honey from a comb, arms bent like bows. They toss the man’s clothes in the sand, and gamble for each piece. They laugh and cackle like crows.
“I killed you,” the soldier sobs, looking into his savior’s eyes.
“I forgive you,” Jesus whispers.