United in Christ, Together in Ministry!

Messiness in Holy Week ~ Mike Tostrud

“Be kind and compassionate with one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
~Ephesians 4:32

I guess when we think of messiness this week there are many angles. My mind goes to Judas based on a question my nephew posed last weekend -  was Judas forgiven? Eeessh, don’t you want to build more lego trucks or something kid? I responded – “well, Judas took matters into his own hands and did not ask for forgiveness. But if Judas had sincerely asked God for forgiveness it would have been given.”

There are some who may debate the theological accuracy of my response.  But, in the context of messiness, forgiveness is one of the most messy topics we find. It crosses so many themes we have touched on in the last few weeks. But forgiveness is key to our well-being. It is a key to our relationship with God. Asking for the strength to forgive is something I have desperately prayed for and have been granted; I have also desperately prayed to be forgiven for my sins. 

What wrongs do you need forgiven?  What forgiveness do you need to offer?  Big questions but today – Good Friday – is the perfect day to lay these before the cross.  To ask God for help and to open ourselves to receiving it.  

I pray forgiveness finds you.  It is freeing.  Just as Jesus freed us from our sins and opened our relationship to the Father, forgiveness does something similar.  Find the humility to ask, or to give it.  And let God free you.  

The solemness of Good Friday is overcome by the glory of Easter Sunday.  May the weight of unforgiveness fall away and be met with his glory.  

In just a few days we rejoice in the resurrection, and shout “hall…”  Ah, but wait my dear friends, for the key to messiness is recognizing it is often resolved in his timing, not ours.  Happy Easter…

Father, please forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us.  These words have rung true across generations.  Please fill us with both.  Amen, amen, amen…

 

 

Top