The mission clarified - a time for everything *

NORSK
The last passage of Luke's Gospel has the title ‘Mission and Farewell’ in my Norwegian Bible and in this passage I also found the ‘AHA’ experience, which I reflected on yesterday. It is crucial for the mission to understand what Jesus did for me in light of the Scriptures, and today the mission is clarified once again:

and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

When William Booth on the threshold of the 20th century was asked by a journalist what he considered to be the greatest danger in the new century; Booth gave a clear and short answer. He considered one of the dangers to be ‘forgiveness without repentance’. I think Booth had been together with Jesus and the disciples when they received the teaching and confirmation of this very truth in the preparation for Pentecost.
Likewise, I am present in the same group and reminded about the truth for today. I admit that it is easier to proclaim forgiveness than repentance. Almost everyone wants to receive forgiveness, but repenting and start following God's way instead of his own is costly. I am reminded once again that salvation is free, but the discipleship is costly. Something else is a lie, but I still think that choosing life is by far the better choice.

Peter certainly caught the message, because when the audience on the day of Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter replied:

  “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

‘Manna’ for today:

There is no shortcut passed repentance!

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost.  

Knowing what 490 means – a step on the journey

Forgiveness is a difficult, but very important topic. In light of what was going to take place in Jerusalem, I am convinced that it was essential for Jesus to teach the disciples about forgiveness before all the evil happened. Again, it was Peter who gave him a golden opportunity to do so by asking the question: “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

“I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:21-22

Actually, Jesus could have raised the number to 8 and laid it down so that it became the sign for 'infinite'. With regard to forgiveness, 490 are infinitely many times. If I manage to forgive many times forgiveness becomes a natural reaction, because I will soon enjoy the benefits.

When I've talked with people who are struggling with being able to forgive, the argument is often that the offender does not deserve to receive forgiveness. But it is primarily the one who forgives who deserves to be set free from the negative effects of hate and the destructive thoughts of revenge. I have experienced so much forgiveness in my life that I want others to experience the same. Forgiveness is a central part of the Lord's Prayer, and generosity is as previously mentioned, a strong part of the DNA of God.

It was important for the disciples to learn this before Easter so that they should not fall in the temptation to seek revenge for that which was going to happen to Jesus.

‘Manna’ for today:

I will forgive so that I can be free. 

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