A Norvell Note
July 29, 2024, Vol. 28 No. 30
I Don’t Know What I Am Doing
I had the rare privilege of listening to my brother preach on Sunday. His sermon was based on Luke 23; forgiveness was a significant emphasis in his message. Jesus prayed as they crucified him, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
Jesus said they don’t know what they are doing. I wonder what He would say about us today.
Are we any different?
We might not admit we are as vicious or cruel as those people, but are we any better? Have we stopped crucifying the Lord? Do our actions, or lack of action, make us just as guilty? Do our attitudes show that we are any different? Do we show that we are any better by how we treat each other?
Jesus also said people will know you are my disciples when you love one another. Would He say, Father, forgive them they don’t know what they are doing.
Would He say, Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they are doing when He hears us judge and condemn people simply because they look different from us or have other opinions?
Does our unwillingness to forgive those who hurt us prove that we need Jesus to pray the same prayer for us?
Reflecting on Jesus’ words from my brother’s sermon, my observations of the world around me, and often the condition of my heart, I must pray, Lord, forgive us; we don’t know what we are doing. Forgive me, I don’t know what I’m doing.
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2024 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved