“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” - Matthew 6:12
- Listen to Bankrupt- by Eddie Jones
The headlines declared: Fallen! Fallen! – Investors Grew Rich From Excessive Greed
- Listen to Bankrupt- by Eddie JonesThe headlines declared: Fallen! Fallen! – Investors Grew Rich From Excessive Greed
A sidebar story warned readers to: Escape So You Will Not Share In Her Fall
The year was 95 A.D., give or take a few years, and the apostle John was expounding on the Revelation of Christ. The account was the collapse of a mighty empire but the indictment of “Babylon” comes upon every nation that sells its birthright for wealth. Whatever happens in the global economy today, this week and in the months ahead, God saw it coming centuries ago.
As a nation we have lived beyond the boundaries of decency. We have cast out the single-moms and fatherless children, failed to show compassion for the aliens living in our land and turned our backs on the God We Trust. And still we cry out for relief, demanding that someone lift this debt from our shoulders so that we may continue to eat, drink and be merry.
The Apostle Paul warned: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This current financial crisis may pass. The world economies may recover. In the days to come, we may return to our life of leisure. But there is a debt that can never be paid, a margin call that will catch us woefully short of funds. When it comes to our righteousness, we are bankrupt.
“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins,” calls the angel from heaven. But we ignore the command.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to forgive your debts? Are you certain that your momentary trials and troubles in this life will reap eternal dividends in the ages to come? If not, if you are as uncertain about your years after this life as you are about the future of the financial markets, then call on the one who can save.
Ask Christ forgive you of your debts. His is the only bailout plan that matters.
The year was 95 A.D., give or take a few years, and the apostle John was expounding on the Revelation of Christ. The account was the collapse of a mighty empire but the indictment of “Babylon” comes upon every nation that sells its birthright for wealth. Whatever happens in the global economy today, this week and in the months ahead, God saw it coming centuries ago.
As a nation we have lived beyond the boundaries of decency. We have cast out the single-moms and fatherless children, failed to show compassion for the aliens living in our land and turned our backs on the God We Trust. And still we cry out for relief, demanding that someone lift this debt from our shoulders so that we may continue to eat, drink and be merry.
The Apostle Paul warned: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction. The one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”
This current financial crisis may pass. The world economies may recover. In the days to come, we may return to our life of leisure. But there is a debt that can never be paid, a margin call that will catch us woefully short of funds. When it comes to our righteousness, we are bankrupt.
“Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins,” calls the angel from heaven. But we ignore the command.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to forgive your debts? Are you certain that your momentary trials and troubles in this life will reap eternal dividends in the ages to come? If not, if you are as uncertain about your years after this life as you are about the future of the financial markets, then call on the one who can save.
Ask Christ forgive you of your debts. His is the only bailout plan that matters.
~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~
- Listen to Indebted- by Cindy SprolesForgive us our debts, as we also have
forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12
She crawled to her knees then rubbed her neck. Swallowing seemed impossible. His forearm pressed against her throat had lifted her to her tiptoes—her heels slapped the wall as she gasped for breath. She tilted her eyes toward him as he slipped on his clothes. I hate him, God. He turned and threw a robe at her. Death is not good enough for this trash, she thought. I hate him.
Her ribs ached and all she could hope was that the children did not hear the commotion.
The pages of her Bible lay open to the beautifully worded prayer of Jesus. As she traced her finger over the words a tear fell. “….as we also have forgiven our debtors.” She slammed the book shut and shoved it into the floor. This is more than I manage, God. Look what he’s doing to me and you want me to forgive him?
What was she supposed to say to her sons? “Oh boys, remember when you were little and you heard the thud against the bedroom wall? It was your drunken father raping and beating me.”
The words burned in her mind, "Forgive us our debts.” You expect me to forgive this monster…..”
“I do,” she heard the Father whisper, “Your debts are forgiven, can’t you return the favor?”
Favor! I’ve done the favor. She slipped her foot atop the Bible and pulled it toward her. I forgive continually. He nearly killed me.
“Ah, but that’s what you’re missing. They did kill me. I died for you. Forgave your debts at no charge.” The voice was clear.
She swiped her eyes with her shirt. The pain swallowed her. What more do you want me to do, Lord?
“Turn lose. Let go of the pain. Introduce him to me.”
It’s easier to hate him. Easier to walk away. He doesn’t deserve to know you.
“…..as we have forgiven our debtors. You can be free of this if you so choose.”
She thumbed through the tattered pages of the Bible. And you’re asking me to give up?
“No, I’m asking you to give over.”
She grasped her ribs and stretched to raise the blinds. A single ray of sun peaked through.
She took in the breath then spoke his name. Take him. Fix him.
“Let go. He’s mine now.”
She wiped the tears. A smile tipped the edges of her lips. Today things would change.
Forgiveness is hard especially when you’re the victim. The weight straps tight across your soul. Sometimes we bury the hurt deep within our hearts and swear it’s gone. But God knows our hearts.
Is there someone you need to forgive today? Is there a prison filled with pain that binds you in shackles?
Let go. Give it over to the Father. After all, He gave you to Jesus. And aren’t you glad he did?
Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles
write the He Said, She Said
Devotional Series. They
are the co-founders of
ChristianDevotions.us
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