From the desk of Pastor Ben

The Example of Forgiveness – Part 2

But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made. So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, “Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.”  (Matthew 18:25-26)

The king in this parable has been gracious simply by not demanding an accounting earlier. In an infinitely greater way, God extends common grace to the most hardened sinner by allowing him to go on living — perhaps the greatest gesture of divine mercy. But there is coming a day in the life of every person when he must give an account for his life. I’m not talking about final judgment but a time of conviction when all persons must face their sin and their need for repentance. It is a time when they hear the gospel or a Bible passage, or a personal testimony.

Like the slave here, they realize they must give an account, that their guilt is inexcusable, and that the king (God) is good and right. The slave’s falling down and prostrating himself was more than the normal homage given to a monarch. It was an act of total submission in which he threw himself completely at the king’s mercy.

Likewise, every sinner should be as overwhelmed by their sin as the slave was by his debt. Sinners convicted by the Holy Spirit will realize their only hope is to humbly confess sin and throw themselves on God’s mercy in Christ (see Luke 18:13). The slave realized he could never repay his debt, which prompted his plea, “have patience with me,” and his unrealistic promise, “I will repay you everything.” His understanding was flawed but his attitude was right. As it were, he sensed the need of forgiveness and the chance to make good on his debt.

Ask Yourself:
What are some of the times in your life when radical measures were the only way to sum up the situation, the only way to have any hope of getting the help you needed? Why does God demand that we often take radical steps? Are there any you need to take right now?