Feeling Forgiven

Exodus 26: ³³ Hang the curtain from the hooks.

“Place the ark of the covenant behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Room from the Most Holy Room.³⁴ Put the cover on the ark of the covenant in the Most Holy Room. The cover will be the place where sin is paid for.

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As I told one lie it seemed only fitting to tell another.  How in the world could my parents tell that I was lying? I mean the first response of “I don’t know” should have been sufficient. Why were they asking me so many questions? Can’t this incident just be done?

• Many times I want forgiveness without admitting I did something wrong.
• Many times I want forgiveness without understanding consequence.
• Many times I want forgiveness without having to face the fact that I am flawed.

The initial covenant between mankind and GOD included a lot of conditions, like a special ceremony for confession of sin. GOD designed a special place that humans were supposed to enter with extreme caution and reverence.  Confession of sin was the main focus and it had to be done the right way, with the shedding of blood from a sacrifice. Do I need to do this?

• GOD did away with the sacrifices to HIM because HE sacrificed HIMSELF for me.
• GOD no longer needs the blood of an animal because HE used HIS own blood to pay for my sins.
• GOD does not need me to carry around stone tablets because HE placed HIS law in my heart.

One of my major battles is “feeling forgiven” rather than “:knowing I am forgiven.” Yes I know CHRIST died for me but sometimes I don’t “feel” it. GOD says “I will be with you always” and that lets me know I am forgiven. The laws in my heart battle with the ways of the world.

The battle wants me to doubt GOD’s everlasting love so I mistakenly seek “feeling” forgiveness with my own made up blinded criteria. GOD says to me “you are forgiven” and that’s all I need!

• Are you down on yourself?
• Are you feeling neglected rather than victorious?
• Can you stop believing the lie and start believing that GOD does care for you?
• Won’t you help others believe GOD cares for them?

GOD forgives

Exodus 12: ²² Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.

²³ When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

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Sometimes I forget that JESUS forgives me.  I mean it’s very clear that HE can’t stand sin and has some very clear rules that I have ignored. Should I run out and buy some livestock and figure out how to build an alter to sacrifice a lamb to be forgiven? Should I ignore HIS rules completely and do what I want?

• GOD told the Israelites to stay inside because HIS judgment was imminent.
• GOD gave specific rules for the Israelites to follow so they would remain safe from HIS judgment.
• GOD used a symbol of belief as the method of restraining HIS judgment.

I actually believe this was JESUS walking through the land.  Prior to HIS death burial and resurrection I believe HE told the Israelites to use the blood of an unblemished lamb to symbolize the death HE would go through for all of mankind.

• JESUS committed no sin and remained unblemished by sin.
• JESUS was murdered by people who attend church regularly and knew the Bible very well.
• JESUS left the cross as a symbol to everyone who believes in HIM, they can receive everlasting life.
• JESUS will allow people to not believe in HIM and to accept HIS judgment.

Accepting what JESUS did enables me to have eternal life. HE doesn’t want me to be part of an exclusionary club rather HE wants me to tell people about this great news! HE wants people to know HE forgives!

• Are you in the middle of a lifestyle that seems hard to stop?
• Are you battling with fear, sexuality outside of GOD’s structure, substance abuse, hatred, lust for power or something else?
• Can you stop trying to cure sin for a moment and look to JESUS who has already cured sin?
• Won’t you stop trying to look at your own power and look at HIS?

A story of forgiveness

Genesis 43: ²⁰ “We beg your pardon, our lord,” they said, “we came down here the first time to buy food. ²¹ But at the place where we stopped for the night we opened our sacks and each of us found his silver—the exact weight—in the mouth of his sack. So we have brought it back with us. ²² We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks.”

²³ “It’s all right,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.” Then he brought Simeon out to them.

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Frustration was the look on my face as I sat there not knowing what to do. My boss was no help and I felt thoroughly inadequate in my new role. My boss’s boss invited me into his office and invited me to sit down. “Oh boy, here it comes, I’m going to be fired and I haven’t even started.” I thought to myself.

He said “Stop worrying, I’m sending you to a training class. I want you to take on more responsibility.”

• When I mess up I feel lost.
• When I am burdened I feel I am wandering.
• When I face difficult times I feel like I need to justify my every move.

Joseph’s brothers tried to kill him. Now, unknowingly, they had to buy food from him. Joseph was somewhat graceful and gave them food along with their silver but commanded them to bring their brother back. Joseph had forgiven them. They were frightened and thought the worse. I do the same.

I think GOD is looking to punish me more and more so I get scared and brace myself for the next wave of punishment. BUT GOD is different.

• GOD looks for opportunities to show HIS great love to me and others so HE can draw people to HIM.
• GOD looks for times HE can bless me so I can bless others.
• GOD looks for chances where I am willing to listen to HIM and see HIM so HE can show me HIS unfailing love.

It truly takes faith to see GOD working in adverse times. Everyone around may not see what GOD sees so the news may seem dismal. GOD’s plan is awesome so I’m taking HIS advice when HE says “Don’t be afraid.”

• Are you afraid?
• Does the situation seem hopeless?
• Can you keep moving forward with GOD knowing HE is blessing you right now?
• Won’t you be a blessing to someone today to show your faith in HIM?