2020 Daily Devotion - Day 230

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Here is one of my favorite stories, and one I have used in a past sermon. In his book, Dr. Rich Dorst tells it this way:

There was a priest who was carrying the burden of a secret sin. Even though he had told God he was sorry, and truly meant it; for some reason he couldn't accept God's forgiveness and he had no peace or joy – only guilt.

A woman in his congregation claimed to have visions of speaking with Christ. She felt like Jesus would tell her things that nobody else could know.

The priest, quite skeptical of her claims, challenged her, "The next time you have one of these 'visions’, I want you to ask the Lord what sin I committed while I was in seminary 20 years ago!"

She readily agreed and went home. When she returned to the church a couple of days later, the priest said, "Well, did Jesus visit you? Did the Lord speak to you?"

"Oh, yes, Father, He certainly did!"

"Well, what did the Lord tell you?"

"He said, 'I forget, and he should, too!’"

A couple of days ago in these devotions, we talked about not looking back. We remembered the story of Lot’s wife who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Not allowing ourselves to experience the forgiveness of God is the same thing. When we live in the past, in our guilt and shame, we get stuck and are often paralyzed like a pillar of salt.

Hebrews 8:12 NRSV
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.

The writer to the Hebrews can say this because of what Jesus Christ has done for you and me at the cross. Because of His death and resurrection, there is absolute and complete forgiveness. Because of Jesus, the Heavenly Father has forgotten your past.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the forgiveness we have in Christ Jesus. You have forgotten our past. Now, help us to do the same. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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