The Big Forgiver-Monday Devotion
The Big Forgiver
Every spring, we have the Blessing of the Fleet in Neah Bay which marks the beginning of the fishing season and asks God to bless the year’s harvest. Last year, there were at least 100 people at the marina, and it was a very meaningful time for all who attended.
Later that morning, a young fisherman, who had been at the Blessing, came to my office at Makah Lutheran Church. He had his Bible in one hand and questions on his heart.
Last June, Lutheran Indian Ministries had given him and the other high school graduates a study Bible at their Baccalaureate ceremony. He admitted that he hadn’t opened it until recently when he was bored one day, but as he read God’s Word, his heart was moved and his faith was stirred through the work of God’s grace.
Now came his question: “How can I know I haven’t committed sins that put me past God’s forgiveness?” His question was based on reading Hebrews 10:26: “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.” (ESV)
As you can imagine, we engaged in a lengthy conversation about sin and forgiveness. You could see in his eyes a hunger for God and a need for assurance. I shared with him that if he had committed an unforgivable sin, he wouldn’t be in my office concerned as he was. His seeking heart was evidence that the HolySpirit was working to draw him in toward Christ and God’s great forgiveness.
We prayed together, and I assured him that God’s forgiveness was certainly big enough for him.
God’s great forgiveness is big enough for all of us!
Thank you, gracious Spirit, for never giving up on me, and always being there at work, turning my heart back to the truth of God’s great love and forgiveness.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Winston Wilson (Cowlitz)