While Khalid Sheikh Mohammed awaited trial for plotting the 9/11 terrorist attacks, some US citizens were nervous that he might be acquitted by an inept jury. Others hoped that that would be precisely what happened. If they had turned Khalid out into the angry streets, it wouldn’t have taken long for New Yorkers to exact their revenge. I certainly understand the reason why, but it overlooks the bigger picture.
If you’ve ever been to the top of the Empire State Building, you know that—from God’s perspective—the people of New York City look like ants. If God is to us as we are to ants, imagine a colony of carpenter ants systematically chewing up the foundation of your house. You could call the exterminator, but for reasons that aren’t entirely clear you decide to stop their destruction by becoming an ant yourself.
The ant leaders are threatened by your arrival, and not knowing what else to do, they incite a mob that mocks and then kills you. What they don’t realize is that you will come back from the dead—for you are more than just an ant— and that your death and resurrection will grant forgiveness and everlasting life to any ant who repents of his destructive ways and follows you (1 John 1:9).
Now imagine that one of those ants that believes in you is bullied by another ant. The aggressive ant commits unspeakable acts that heap incalculable misery upon the redeemed ant. It would be normal for the victimized ant to strike back and get revenge. But what if she remembers the higher logic of the human who became an ant?
We are that ant, and every time we are sinned against we get to choose: Will we live by the laws of the anthill or forgive as God has forgiven us? (Matthew 18:35). —
More:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander . . . . Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Next:
When you forgive someone, what consequences must you release and what ones must remain?
eppistle on January 9, 2011 at 10:06 am
The Greek word for forgive (charizomai) in Ephesians 4:32 is the verb form of grace. In other words, to truly forgive somebody, you must give treat them kindly though they don’t deserve it. Luke 6:27,28 describe how to do this. Easier said then done. But a good place to start is to pray daily that God will bless them.
dianalovesjesus2 on January 9, 2011 at 1:29 pm
O my! Thank you! <3 …just the word I needed to hear today….will be looking at this several times throughout the day….praying that it will 'sink in' 😉
AManofGod on January 10, 2011 at 12:45 am
This has been a most trying and testing week for me! I found out on Friday that my employer has been trying to seek higher management to terminate me for months…..and on Friday he was successful. I lost my high paying job. I also had a horrible exchange with my ex wife who is so hate filled when it comes to anything relating to me.
An odd thing happened though. I thanked God for these trials. I know He is in charge and He wants something so much better for me that that job or that relationship with my ex-wife. I know when the Lord shuts one door He always opens another! I am thanking Him NOW for the treasures He will give to me tomorrow! I am such an unworthy sinner and I know this! I also know that God has given me so much and He has so much more He wants to bestow on me……I am too grateful to worry or hate anyone! No matter what they do or say about me!
Thank you for this post which reminded me of who is REALLy in charge! To God be all the glory!
AManofGod
mike wittmer on January 10, 2011 at 7:55 am
AManofGod:
Thank for your sharing–I am encouraged by your godly response to these difficult trials. I am pretty sure that your victory is not a one off, and I will pray for you this week as you continue to trust God to conquer the anger and fear that will undoubtedly seek to arise. As my son jokingly told me yesterday, “What doesn’t kill you often comes back for another try!” So go with God!
AManofGod on January 10, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Thank you Mike.
I have noticed something I didn’t anticipate while being on ODJ….while sharing my troubles and trials with other Christian brethren I am lifted up and strengthened and I am better able to cope. The problems still hurt but I am buoyed by everyone here! I hope my testimony [testimonies rather] can help other Christian brothers and sisters who are going through similar times. Together, with God, we are so much stronger than any of us are alone!
AManofGod