FORGIVENESS

FORGIVENESS

Text: Mark 16:1-7
Memory verse:
“For the mountains shall depart And the hills be removed, But My kindness shall not depart from you, Nor shall My covenant of peace be removed,” Says the Lord, who has mercy on you.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭54‬:‭10‬ ‭

During Jesus’ trial, Peter denied Him three times before the council. He disowned his friend to save his life. He turned his back on his friend at the time of His need. If a friend in need is a friend indeed, then Peter wasn’t qualified to be called a friend. If a friend is the one who stands true with you at all times, then Peter was far from being a friend. Yet, Jesus forgave and restored him!
Immediately after His resurrection, Jesus told the angel who was at the tomb to tell the women, “But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬).
Notice the emphasis placed on Peter, “tell His disciples—and Peter”.
The thought of Peter would have preoccupied the Lord’s mind to have mentioned him specifically and immediately after rising up from the grave. God is always thinking good concerning you, even at such times when you think you have failed Him beyond redemption.
He also knew that Peter would have been under heavy condemnation and sorrow of heart. So Jesus didn’t just send the news of His resurrection to him but He also went after him. He found him fishing with his backsliding friends on the Lake of Galilee and blessed them with abundant harvest. He didn’t even stop at that, He also made them breakfast on a fire of coals (John 21:12). The fire of coals would have reminded Peter of his recent denial of His Master (John 18:18, 25–26).
Do you know why God still blesses you in your backsliding state? Never take such mercy bestowed to justify your sinful actions. He does it to assure you of His love and to call you back. What a compassionate and loving Saviour! Even though He knows our failures, He still comes after us, embraces, forgives, restores and blesses us.

Prayer points
1. Father, I refuse every condemnation and guilt and I receive Your love and forgiveness in Jesus name.
2. Father, please let Your love and forgiveness restore me to wholeness and empower me to fulfill Your purpose in Jesus name.

Today’s declarations
1. In Christ Jesus, I have redemption through His blood for the forgiveness of my sins.
2. God’s love is bigger than my sins and His favour is richer than my failures.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng