Today is the commemoration of Robert Barnes, Confessor and Martyr.
Today's readings are Psalm 50.1-6, 1 Samuel 15.10-35, and Acts 24.24-25.12.
We read today of a confrontation between Samuel and Saul. In this conflict, some people find warrant to rebuke others openly, even to deny forgiveness to people who express repentance. While this is entirely possible based on the passage, we do well to bear in mind Samuel's attitude about it.
As we read, Samuel was grieved about the situation for the rest of his life. He somehow knew that Saul's repentance was not genuine. As a prophet of God, he understood the kingdom was being removed from Saul. This was a serious and grievous situation.
Are we often ready to proclaim God's judgment on sin - more ready than our Lord is? How do we react when we are to forgive an offense but we aren't too certain of genuine repentance? Does it truly grieve us when we do not see repentance? It grieves the Heavenly Father. May the Lord work genuine repentance, faith, and forgiveness in this world.
No comments:
Post a Comment