Devotionals
The dark promise that lay at the bottom of the two long barrels staring up at him beckoned. In another breath or two his pain would cease and justice would be served.
He had always lived his life at full-throttle. Pushing the limits had brought him fame, fortune, and anything his heart desired. But he had grown bored with life. First it was high-stakes gambling, then the pursuit of unattainable women, and, finally, drugs.
He didn't want to take Michelle with him on the drive down the mountain but Jan had insisted. "You can at least spend a few moments with your daughter and take her to her friend's house." His mind was on the deal. It was a big one. He pushed the car through the curves at maddening speeds. Michelle's side of the car was the first to slam into the mountain. She was alive but, at ten-years old, would never walk again. He had been on auto-pilot ever since, never quite feeling the sting of justice. Now that he was out of prison, the darkness closed in. Jan and Michelle refused to return his calls. He had recklessly ruined everything in his life. With one last look down into the promising void, he closed his eyes, and took a breath…the phone rang.
"Dad?"
He looked down at the shotgun now lying on the floor. "Michelle? Is that you?"
"Are you alright?"
His throat lips were dry. He could barely talk. "I'm fine, I guess."
"Dad? I need to talk with you." He sensed nervousness in her voice. "I don't really know how to say this. It's been so long and I really don't know you. Anyway, I…hum…," she cleared her throat, paused, and then continued. "I just want you to know that I forgive you." She hurried on… "Yes, I know it sounds crazy and I can't believe I just blurted it out but that's why I called. I have to tell you that I forgive you."
He sat stunned and silent.
"You know that I have always hated what you did to me. It wasn't fair."
"I know…I didn't really mean…"
She continued not wanting to hear his apologies or excuses. "But then I met a boy. He loves me just as I am. Soon after we started dating he asked me to go to church with him. I can't begin to describe the feelings I felt that first time. I have decided that I want to get baptized; but I can't." She paused and the silence filled the room. "Are you still there?"
"Huh..yeah, I'm here. Why can't you?"
"I can't because I have to forgive you first. You see, Jesus did an amazing thing. He looked His killers in the eye and loved them. He was beaten and nailed to a tree and yet, He prayed that God would forgive them. And you know why?"
"No. Not really."
"He did it for me. So I could live. I want to live, Dad. I want to move on with my life but I can't while I continue to hold hatred for you in my heart. So I forgive you, Dad. And, one last thing, I want you to be there. If you come you will see in my eyes that I have truly forgiven you and maybe, it will help you to begin moving on with your life. Will you come?"
His gaze fell to the floor and the lingering promise that lay at his feet. He realized that he would not go back and dance with the lure of his death. He now had something to live for…his daughter wanted him to attend this important event in her life; an event that promised new life.
Closing Prayer:
Gracious Lord: As we seek fulfillment in our lives we tend to grab for all the wrong things. Our focus in life moves towards instant gratification and selfish indulgence. Soon we find that nothing satisfies our hunger. The more we get, the more we need. Everything we achieve through money, power, prestige, and pride will eventually crumble at our feet and we will be left with a life filled with remorse and despair. When we finally turn outward from our selfish desires and begin focusing on you, we discover an entire new world. It is a world of love, fulfillment, and purpose. Help us turn our trust to you, O Lord. Teach us how to become the humble servants you are calling us to be. Guide us onto the paths of your righteousness so that our knees will bow and our tongues confess your holiness. But most importantly, help us remember your Grace. Keep the memory of the Cross close to our hearts so that the love and passion of Jesus will be emblazoned on our hearts forever. Through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
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