PODCAST
Pardon Me, Please
November 14th, 2010
Micah 7:8-20
I was thinking of “pardon” today. The mob “pardoned” Barabbas in exchange for Jesus. How grateful was he?
I try to imagine the relief and gratitude of one who has been released from the consequences and punishment of his or her crimes. That one who has rightfully been condemned, but has confessed and repented, can now face a new life.
This week the prophet Micah has held a mirror up to our society. The sins he speaks of are ones we could have participated in our day. He closes his prophecy with the promise of salvation to all who repent and confess. Isaiah issued a similar invitation, “Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near, Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isa. 55:6-7, TNIV).
