“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5: 23-24

For Meditation

He had every reason

not to come

every reason,

 not to hang on the wooden plank.

Our offenses,

too great and overwhelming.

So, why should He suffer

 disgrace

at the hands of mortals

as atoning sacrifice

for my sin and yours?

When nothing was adequate

to pay for our offenses,

the King of glory

His compassionate heart pounding:

“Wait!” He said.

“I will go, their souls to redeem.”

Love so amazing!

Bethlehem, where is your guestroom?

 While you slept,

tired and resting,

heaven’s glory came

a body prepared for Him,

to make the ultimate sacrifice

for the sin of the world,

bearing no grudges

against you—

who had no room for Him?

“All forgiven,” said He!

Nothing to hold on to,

when mercy and grace

on Calvary embraced—

This kiss of life,

restored in Jesus.

So why that grudge

against your brother—

why forgiveness withheld?

Do you not see,

His face concealed,

His smile hid from you

at the altar of grace

because of your grudge

 in that sacred space?

So, why not shout,

“You, my friend, I forgive.”

Just as Jesus forgave.

All gone—

no grudges, no none!

All melted in the furnace of redemption

at Calvary

never to recover, ever!

Just look at His smile—

beaming in your face

as now you offer,

your sacrifice of praise,

because you laid down your offering

and went to settle

with the one

who held you in his heart.

Look how radiant you are—

how within you is peace!

Grace overflowing,

to all like you,

who will also forgive,

grudges no more to grasp.

 Free! From the prison

of unforgiveness

and bitterness!

Joy! In His presence,

in Jesus restored!

Hallelujah! Amen!