Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. – Luke 23:34, NIV
One of the hardest parts of forgiving someone is coming to terms with the injustice of what’s happened.
Maybe it was a car accident that took your ability to walk while the other driver wasn’t punished at all. Maybe it was the conniving woman who destroyed your marriage, and now she has a beautiful family. Perhaps it was the illness that slowly stole your beloved parent from you.
Jesus knows how injustice feels. He knows the pain and agony of watching those who hurt him. He’s cried as the paramedics cut you free from the crumpled car, sat in that waiting room with you, and watched as someone you once loved slowly disappeared before your eyes.
He knows because He’s been there. When no one stood up for him, when he had no defender, when evil was determined to crush him, he was alone. He felt utterly forsaken with no one to show him any kindness.
And in that moment, His only thought was of you. He chose the pain, the shame, the abuse, the humiliation, the torture, the mocking. He endured it all so that He could welcome you into the kingdom, dear one.
“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:4-5, NIV
God, in the middle of injustice, remind me again that I am not alone. Jesus paid the ultimate price so that I could know peace and comfort, no matter what my circumstances are. Thank You, Jesus, for what You’ve done for me. I will love and serve You forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
