Day 28

Exodus 5:22–7:25; Matthew 18:21–19:12; Psalm 23:1-6; Proverbs 5:22-23

TODAY, THE BOOK of Proverbs told us, “An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him” (Proverbs 5:22). The overwhelming truth of this proverb will unfold before us in our next chapters from Exodus, as the Egyptian pharaoh stands in the way of God’s plan to free the children of Israel from slavery.

As we look to Matthew’s Gospel, we read Jesus’ words on a topic that He relentlessly kept in focus. Peter asked Him, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “No, not seven times . . . but seventy times seven!” (Matthew 18:21-22).

To illustrate the profound implications of withholding forgiveness, Jesus told the story of a man who was in debt to his king, more than he could ever pay. To satisfy the debt, the man was to be sold, along with his wife, children, and possessions. The money from this sale would go to the king in repayment. The man fell before the king and begged for more time —and then the king did something completely unexpected: He forgave the debt in its entirety. He gave the man his life back.

As the newly liberated man left the palace, he ran into another man who owed him a much smaller amount of money. He demanded payment and would not relent, throwing this poor man into prison until the debt could be paid.

When the king found out, he immediately summoned the man to whom he had forgiven a fortune. “You evil servant!” he said. “I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” (Matthew 18:32-33).

The man was thrown into prison until he could repay the entire debt. And, according to Jesus, “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart” (Matthew 18:35).

Forgiveness is not optional in God’s Kingdom. There is no way to walk intimately with God while unforgiveness is eating us from within like a cancer.

PRAYER:

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.