The mark of God’s ownership? Generous forgiveness
1Samuel 24-25 / Luke 5-7
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
25:29-31 “Even when you are chased by those who seek your life, you are safe in the care of the LORD your God, secure in his treasure pouch! But the lives of your enemies will disappear like stones shot from a sling! When the LORD has done all he promised and has made you leader of Israel, don’t let this be a blemish on your record. Then you won’t have to carry on your conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed and vengeance. And when the LORD has done these great things for you, please remember me!”
NT
5:1-3 One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water’s edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there.
6:20-26 Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is given to you. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy. God blesses you who are hated and excluded and mocked and cursed because you are identified with me, the Son of Man. When that happens, rejoice! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were also treated that way by your ancestors. What sorrows await you who are rich, for you have your only happiness now. What sorrows await you who are satisfied and prosperous now, for a time of awful hunger is before you. What sorrows await you who laugh carelessly, for your laughing will turn to mourning and sorrow. What sorrows await you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets.“
OT Flash Points
I will give your enemy into your hands to do what you wish
Nabal – fool – failed the test
David – passed the test, with a little help
NT Flash Points
Take direction from Jesus
Spirit of Jesus, I am willing
Jesus gathers willing followers
2 kingdoms contrasted – God’s and the world’s
Hope is in God’s Kingdom – nowhere else
John – Is this it? Just making sure
The mark of God’s Kingdom – generous forgiveness
Faith’s produce – acts of love and gratitude
Perspective
Don’t be afraid to test your “faith”
What does it produce?
Acts of gratitude, love & forgiveness?
Or acts of personal sovereignty, dictating to God what He is to do?
Good conscience = the highest I know
Face God habitually and keep the inner vision clear