讀經:路加福音二十三章

默想:當下耶穌說:「父啊,赦免他們!因為他們所做的,他們不曉得。」(路23:34)

默想一:主耶穌在十字架上臨死前七言的第一句禱告:「父啊,赦免他們!」是針對誰的禱告?只為定祂死罪的猶太人和羅馬人嗎?不是,祂是為所有的世人包括你我。因世人都犯了罪,而罪的工價就是死。祂不願有一人沈淪,乃願人人都悔改(彼後3:9)

默想二:主耶穌為世人代求顯示了什麼?祂來不是要控告或定世人的罪,乃是要拯救世人。祂為我們的罪被釘在十字架上,顯明了祂的愛及饒恕,這就是福音。但我們必須學習那與主同釘十字架並及時悔改的強盜。

禱告:阿爸父神,感謝袮藉著耶穌在十字架上所成就的救贖大工。求祢使用我,我願意學像祢饒恕那傷害及控告我的人,也為他們代求並祝福他們。這不容易,但我相信袮的應許:「在人是不能,在神卻不然,因為神凡事都能」(可10:27))奉主耶穌寶貴的名禱告。阿們!

Bible Reading: Luke 23.

Insight:  “Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” (Luk 23:34)

Insight one: When Lord Jesus was on the cross, the first prayer of the seven sayings of the crucified Lord Jesus was “Father, forgive them”.  Whom is this prayer for? Is the prayer just for the Jews and the Romans who crucified Him? No, His prayer is for the entire world, including you and me. This is because all have sinned, and the wages of sin is death. He did not wish that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2Pe 3:9)

Insight two: What does it mean when the Lord Jesus prayed for the people in this world? He came to the world was not to condemn the world or to bring charge against the world, but that the world should be saved through him. He was nailed on the cross for our sins, showing His love and forgiveness, which is the gospel. Nevertheless we need to learn from the robber who was nailed along with the Lord on the cross and he repented.

Prayer: Abba Father, thank You for the salvation that accomplished the great work on the cross through Jesus. Use me, so I am able to learn to be like You to forgive those who hurt and accused me, and pray for them and bless them. It’s not easy, but You have already promised, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” (Mar 10:27). I pray in the precious name of the Lord Jesus. Amen!

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