Jeremiah 31:34
God says: “No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.”
This idea of forgiveness is frequently repeated in the Bible. For instance, Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Forgive us our sins.” Whenever we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we repeat these words. Yet, sometimes there is a need for more.
Newly ordained, I served a small church in a small town in the Colorado countryside. One morning as I sat at my desk, Isaac, a farmer in the area and member of the church came into the office. “I need to talk to you.” He came because for 18 years he had held a secret that was gnawing at him. Long ago he had been unfaithful to his wife. He had not told her, and he had stayed “clean” for all these eighteen years—except for the guilt he carried. What could he do? His guilt was just too much! (They don’t teach you about this in Seminary.)
I invited him to join me at the altar in the worship area. There we kneeled in the silence and restrained light of the sanctuary. In time, I suggested he pour out to God all that was burdening him. First there was silence, and then Isaac began to sob and tell his story to God. When he was done, it was as though the greatest of burdens had been lifted. By God’s authority, I pronounced to him the entire forgiveness of all his sin. (John 20:23) God had forgiven him and would remember his sin no more!
Now he must forgive himself AND confess to Audrey his guilt, seeking her forgiveness as well. When Isaac left the church, I felt the sense of peace and God’s Spirit attending him. How would it all turn out? I prayed for them that week. Then on Sunday, Isaac and Audrey walked into the church holding hands. In the weeks and months following, those two never missed a Sunday worship and were, well, just different! Forgiveness is powerful stuff! I praised God!
Prayer: God of Love, I pray that you will forgive me. Thank you for forgiveness and hope and newness. Amen.
Song: “God, When Human Bonds Are Broken” (ELW 603)