Dearly Beloved,
Grace and Peace to you.
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood by, watching; but the leaders scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” The soldiers also mocked him, saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”
—Luke 23.33-37
What kind of king might this be,
naked and in agony,
defeated and vulnerable,
without a land or an army,
without dignity or power?
What kind of king is he,
who will not save himself,
who will allow scoundrels
to take the life right out of him,
and spend himself for the unworthy?
What Realm does he rule,
and what is his law,
and how will he enforce it?
How will he provide for his people
and defend his land?
What manner of king might this be?
He is the King of Forgiveness,
and his grace is supreme.
He imposes his imperial mercy
upon all who are broken and in need.
He establishes forgiveness
with absolute power;
it is a law that no one can break.
He is my king, the little man
who is shamed and abused
and remains unalterably kind.
Even the greatest force cannot prevail
against his mighty gentleness.
He is my king, the King of Forgiveness.
I bow to him,
and I will obey his command,
and I will follow him
into life.
Deep Blessings,
Pastor Steve
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Copyright © Steve Garnaas-Holmes
Unfolding Light
www.unfoldinglight.net