During his final pizza delivery of the night, three young men robbed and pistol-whipped 19-year-old Brady (causing a gash on his head that required 70 stitches). Fast forward 5 years. In June 2014, Brady and one of the young men who had assaulted him are the best of friends! Brady, a believer in Jesus, reached out to Marcellous—extending forgiveness and friendship. Marcellous credits Brady for helping him to finish high school and leaving gang-life behind.
Brady’s forgiving ways remind me of the forgiveness of God. For instance, during their lengthy trek from Egypt to the Promised Land, the Israelites’ behavior became offensive to Him. “The people grew impatient with the long journey, and they began to speak against God and Moses” (Numbers 21:4-5). God used snakes to discipline His disobedient people. And soon, acknowledging their offensive behavior, they cried out to Moses, “We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you. Pray that the LORD will take away the snakes” (Numbers 21:7).
God, showing forgiveness and grace, provided a way for the people to be healed of the snakebites. If they would simply look up at a bronze snake that He had Moses create and place on a pole, they would be made well (Numbers 21:9). God’s loving forgiveness was on full display!
Brady also displayed God’s forgiving ways. The brutal attack he endured caused him to lose a shot at basketball scholarships for college, and it led to 3 difficult years of physical therapy for post-concussion syndrome. His forgiving heart, however, reflects Jesus’ own. For Jesus was lifted up on a cross so that all who look to Him for spiritual healing will be forgiven (John 3:14-15). He chose to forgive offenders like us.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 1:5-25
More:
Read Luke 23:34 and consider what Jesus saw in the people He chose to forgive.
Next:
How does Brady’s example encourage you to reach out to those who have offended you? What amazes you about the way God chose to provide forgiveness for our sins?
praise the lord on June 6, 2015 at 5:32 am
Jesus tells us in John 10 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Brady’s forgiveness and love are the spiritual weapons that destroy the enemies attacks. By the power of the Holy Spirit he stood firm and resisted the devil. There is nothing double-minded in his actions. I believe Brady knows how to live the abundant life. Jesus came to redeem us of sin. Through His blood God the Father sees us as holy. He gives all those who believe in Him the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to walk in the way of Christ. Brady’s obedience not only bore fruit in his live but has born fruit in Marcellous’ life.
Tom Felten on June 6, 2015 at 7:38 am
Thanks for sharing these Scriptures! And, yes, Praise The Lord! Without the work of the Holy Spirit’s life, one can only imagine where both Brady and Marcellous would be today.
Gary Shultz on June 6, 2015 at 7:17 am
These accounts always amaze me. I don’t think I have that kind of grit, I confess. I suppose I’m not supposed to, so I must humbly ask to be a servant that would respond the way God’s Spirit would show me. To be close enough to be used in any way for our God. Big stuff. Bigger God. Thanks
Tom Felten on June 6, 2015 at 7:40 am
Gary, I’m reminded of Paul’s words . . . “God’s grace is sufficient.” He gives us what we need to glorify in the our day of need. Brady is such a beautiful example of that!
praise the lord on June 6, 2015 at 2:28 pm
As God gave me the scriptures this morning and was connecting the dots, I was wondering if I would be forgiving like Brandon. The Pharisees knew the word but they didn’t live it. I know we are to study the word, memorize the word and meditate on the word but I certainly don’t want it to just end there. So your comment is much appreciated. That when it comes time God will give us what we need.
Marlena Graves on June 6, 2015 at 7:47 am
This really amazed me. Here’s why. You showed that we can be the bronze snake others look to to be healed. But it’s not us that does the healing. It’s Christ in our Christlikeness. The way you put it today really amazed me. I sometimes forget just what a blessing or a cursing, healing or lack of healing, our lives can be to observers.
Tom Felten on June 6, 2015 at 7:50 pm
Marlena, I too am amazed at how often God uses not our successes or good health, but perceived failures and sickness to do spiritual surgery in our lives and in others!