Upon hearing the news today that Scotland has, for humanitarian purposes, released a man from prison who was convicted for the 1988 Lockerbie plane bombing, I was interested in the objections of many people. I’m sure I do not understand the feelings of relatives who lost loved ones. What I did hear in the voices of some of the objectors was much pain and for some hatred. I heard it said that compassion and mercy for this man was not appropriate. His crime was too heinous to forgive. Being that I did not lose a loved one in that horrible event it is neither right nor appropriate for me to comment one way or the other.
What I do want to comment on is Jesus forgiving those involved with His horrible crucifixion. The King of the Universe came to this earth. While here He labored to bring relief to the suffering. He gave sight to the blind. He enabled the deaf to hear and speak. He fed the masses. He taught us what the Father was really like. He also threatened the power structure by pointing out their hypocrisy. It was partly the latter and not the former that took Him to the cross. I found myself wondering if there is someone in my life that will cause me great consternation to find in heaven. Could it be that while seeking compassion for myself there are those I do not think should qualify? Will I want my mansion moved when I see who will be my next door neighbor?
The Lord’s Prayer rang in my ears. “Forgive my trespasses as I forgive others.” Sometimes I think the Sermon on the Mount is the most difficult to understand of all literature.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 21, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org