“…and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12
Dear Ones:
Scripture tells us that we are paid wages for our works. In the case of sin, Paul writes: “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) There is a payment for that which is done, or said, if it is not of God. On the other hand, there is “great reward” in keeping the commandments of God. As the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews wrote, “…he that comes to God must believe that He IS and that He is a REWARDER of them that diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6) What is the great issue here? It is that of a contrast, the difference between that which is lowly and base, and that which is high and holy. On the one hand, when a person comes to Christ, God crucifies that “old man,” (the old life), all that he was IN ADAM as a sinner. God put him, and every evidence of his sin, into the grave, never to be resurrected. All wages paid because of sin are buried with, and in, the “old man.” However, what is most extraordinary is that at the moment when one comes to Christ, and is born of the Spirit, that person becomes a NEW MAN by virtue of his or her union with Christ. He is a new creation IN CHRIST. In an instant that person becomes the recipient of “great reward.” The greatest reward is God Himself, for in Christ are hid ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, everything beautiful and holy. In Christ there is no flaw, no sin, and no death. One is “complete” in the resources of Christ to live for the glory of God, complete in one’s hope and certainty concerning eternity. THIS is the contrast, as vast as death is distant from life.
What about “debts?” As “wages” are the recompense for works done, so “debts” refer to that which is owed, that which is lacking to be done. Of what does the Lord speak when He speaks of “debts?” Robert M. McCheyne’s words are so appropriate here: “Even on earth, as through a glass, Darkly, let Thy glory pass; Make forgiveness feel so sweet; Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet; Even on earth, Lord, make me know, Something of how much I owe.” The debt(s) which we owe to God, and for which we pray, “…forgive us our debts,” is that which is lacking, and deficient in our devotion and love for Him, and others. The measure of our love for God, is always reflected in our love for others. Have we given a cup of water in the name of Christ to those who are thirsty? Have we ministered to the needs of others by the Spirit? Has our devotion to Him resulted in a communion with Christ, so consistent and profound, that He works in and through us, speaking His words “which help and heal,” to those in need? After the resurrection, the Lord Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” He was speaking of several things, one of which was the debt that Peter owed Him. The greatest debt that Peter owed to Christ was love, but a love and devotion BY THE SPIRIT, and not of the flesh.
Dear Father, save and deliver us daily from the terrible “wages” that sin pays. Give us grace to LIVE in the blessed reward of knowing Thee, for only in this love BY THE SPIRIT can we ever hope to walk with Thee on this earth. Enable us to so abide in Thee, that You, Lord Jesus, will indeed abide in us, and accomplish all of Your perfect will for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad