The Failure of the Judgment
The judgment day is often viewed as a day that will right all wrongs, but this is not true.
Why?
Because forgiveness is inseparable from the judgment.
Think about these next two statements:
Paul the apostle will be in heaven.
David will be in heaven.
No big deal?
These two statements take on full significance when we see through the eyes of Uriah the Hittite or Stephen.
David was a Jerk
Will they be shocked and appalled when they see the person who brought them so much personal tragedy and pain in heaven? Or as in the case of Uriah, when he learns of the treachery and deceit for the first time in heaven? “So you were pregnant with this child when I died, but he is not my son? He is David’s son? King David? The guy who I laid down my life for? . . . So that’s why he got me drunk and wanted me to go home and see you! Tell you what, Bathsheba, nice kid you got there but I don’t want to see you or David or him ever again!”
The Dark Side of Grace
This is what I call the dark side of grace. It is almost never talked about. There will be former rapists, child abusers and murderers in heaven, forgiven, redeemed and changed. That’s good news. Or is it? What is it in us that would see the absolute forgiveness of another as a failure or lack in God’s final judgement?
Forgiveness, it turns out, is a necessary quality of those who will enjoy the blessedness of the new earth.
This, I think, puts the words of Jesus in a new light, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37.
Questions for the Heart
Why is it hard to let go of your desire to hurt the one who has hurt you? Or, to cut more closely to the heart, why is it hard to let go of your desire that God hurt the one who has hurt you?
To answer these questions in the quietness of your own heart is to take a great step forward with Jesus.
Forgiveness is a gift Jesus wants to give us, but it is a gift we don’t ask for and perhaps, much of the time, don’t even want. In the words of one country song, “I’m not ready to make nice!”
Here is the rub for leaders. Forgiveness is not only a vital quality of those who will inhabit heaven, it is essential in the heart of a leader. Without it we are like a malfunctioning heat-seeking missile looking for a place to explode. We are simply dangerous. We might think of David and Nabal (1Sam 25). David failed in his inmost being and almost acted on that failure.
How is it with you? Who in the church has hurt you? Who do you need to forgive?
We are all wounded and broken. None can say, “I have forgiven all those who have ever wronged me! I am glad I am not like other men (Luke 18:11) — unforgiving, vengeful and mean!” But what we can do is recognize the pain others have brought to us and come to Jesus each time the hurt bubbles to the surface, asking Him to heal and give us grace to forgive.
An Unforgiving Leader is a Short Leader
There are many who never grow, but rather are trapped professionally, personally and spiritually because “Jimmy has not/is not treating me right.”
Questions for Your Prayer Time
So you have been hurt. What was Jesus doing in that situation for you? How was He growing you, helping you and supporting you? What was His purpose in allowing the wrong to come? What would He have you do now? Ask Him. He will answer.
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This message from Rob Bell was suggested by one of our pastors. A thoughtful message about dealing with the pain of leadership.
Death by Paper Cuts
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