Today’s Scripture Reading (December
15, 2015): Joshua 24
I seem to be
haunted by Donald Trump’s words that he has never done anything for which he
needed to ask God for forgiveness. I struggle to understand the words. We all
need forgiveness because on some level we all mess up. And forgiveness is often
elusive. There have been moments in my life where forgiveness for my missteps
has not been granted. And those moments still weigh heavy on me. So Trump’s
words are a source of confusion for me. And his words seem to force me to
choose between two possible outcomes. Either Donald Trump is much more perfect
than many of us give him credit for, and maybe his name should be written
Donald (Jesus) Trump because to my knowledge the only person besides Donald who
never had to ask for forgiveness was Jesus, or he has a very low understanding
of the demands of God. My guess is the latter, because even in his current
campaign, there seems to be many moments for which Mr. Trump needs to ask
forgiveness. I think God may hold Donald Trump to a higher standard than the
Donald seems to think he will be held.
And that is
the essential meaning behind Joshua’s words. The words seem strange, almost an oxymoron
– God will not forgive. I mean, isn’t forgiveness part of the essential nature
of God. I get experientially that there are people in this life who will not
forgive our missteps (in my life I have a list that shapes who I am of those
who have refused to forgive me), but surely we can depend on God to be willing
to forgive.
But Joshua
does not want his followers to take God lightly. His demands on those who
choose to follow him are high (which sends us back for forgiveness often). And
it is precisely the Donald Trumps of this world that need to hear Joshua’
message – you are not able to follow him, especially if you refuse to take him
seriously.
A number of
years ago I was helping a gentlemen return some borrowed tables back into the
church. The man was just doing a favor for the one who had actually borrowed
the tables, so the two of us grunted and lifted the heavy tables off of his
truck and then down a set of stairs into the basement where the tables were
stored. But much to the consternation of his wife, my new friend seemed to be
unable to do the job without spreading some four letter words over the task.
Finally his exasperated wife exclaimed – Honey, he’s a pastor! - to which the
man replied – Good! Then it’s his job to forgive.
Maybe too
many of us have this attitude when it comes to God. It is God’s job to forgive
so I don’t have to even try to do what is right. And it is to that attitude
that Joshua exclaims – Don’t even bother trying. God is holy and jealous. And
forgiveness is unavailable for those who will not even bother to try and serve
him.
Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Judges
17
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