March 22
God's Higher Math, Matthew 18:21-35
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Keeping Count
I'm not very good at math. Judy handles all our finances, and when I count people in worship I usually overestimate. So Jesus' teaching about forgiveness confounds me. Without a computer, I'd have a hard time telling you what "70 times 7" equals. But of course that's exactly the point. Jesus is not giving us the latest calculation to determine how far we should go in forgiving. Unlike some people who seem to harbor grievances and nurse grudges, Jesus is just saying, "Stop counting. Just forgive." It's not easy, but it's what we would like God to do for us, right? It's not about keeping count; it's about receiving and offering grace.
In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew 18:21–35, and leave your calculator at home.
See you in worship,
Rev. Jack Harnish
God's Higher Math, Matthew 18:21-35
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Keeping Count
I'm not very good at math. Judy handles all our finances, and when I count people in worship I usually overestimate. So Jesus' teaching about forgiveness confounds me. Without a computer, I'd have a hard time telling you what "70 times 7" equals. But of course that's exactly the point. Jesus is not giving us the latest calculation to determine how far we should go in forgiving. Unlike some people who seem to harbor grievances and nurse grudges, Jesus is just saying, "Stop counting. Just forgive." It's not easy, but it's what we would like God to do for us, right? It's not about keeping count; it's about receiving and offering grace.
In preparation for Sunday, read Matthew 18:21–35, and leave your calculator at home.
See you in worship,
Rev. Jack Harnish