“You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the sea.” (Micah 7:19)
In the book The Hiding Place, Corrie Ten Boom tells the story of her family’s underground activities to rescue hundreds of Jews from the Nazi regime, leading to her and Betsie’s imprisonment in Ravensbruck, a notorious concentration camp. Those who have read the book or seen the movie may remember the moment where Corrie’s sister Betsie reaches out to a group of prostitutes in the concentration camp. Walking over to them, she smiles and says “Look at that beautiful sky. It is so blue! It is such a lovely day, isn’t it?” One of the women, shocked by her graciousness, answers, "Why do you talk to me? You ‘politicals’ have nothing to do with trash like us.” Betsy gently shakes her head, smiles at her and answers simply, “We are ALL trash!”, bringing the prostitute to tears. With that statement, which can almost feel shocking, Betsy was communicating solidarity with the prostitute, much as Jesus did with the woman caught in adultery when he said “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone!”, knowing they were on an equal plane at the foot of the cross. The other surprising part of Betsy’s statement was the simple peace and joy she conveyed as she spoke, knowing she also unworthy was - “trash” - due to her sinfulness, and yet deeply beloved by God. Only someone who knows Jesus’ deep forgiveness in their soul can truly convey it and offer it to others. When Corrie preached on the above passage after she was released, she said “God has hurled our sins into the sea and the Bible does not say it but I believe God puts up a sign that says ‘No fishing allowed!’” No fishing for our sins or those of others! Do we know our sins are forgiven and forgotten? Do we know that this is true of others’ as well?
Prayer Prompt: Dear Lord, I often see people externally but you, Oh Lord, look at the heart! Remind me that the thief on the cross was closer to you than anyone could have imagined. Don’t let me forget how gracious you were to me on that cross, and help me extend that same graciousness to others. Do not let me go fishing for others’ sins or my own. And when I am hurt, let me forgive as you forgave me. May my words and my life shine your Gospel. Amen.
Song of the Day: Forgive and Forget - Red Worship
