Affirmation #177 by Susan L.

  I am a minister of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
  "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling us to the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to the word of reconciliation." NKJV
  "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation." JCB

  And we are told the same thing over and over again through various stories in the Bible. I think of Paul and how he persecuted the Christians until the Lord brought him into Himself. And Peter, who denied the Lord three times yet became one of His most devoted followers and teachers before being put to death for his faith.
  I often think of Judas when I am reminded of the great grace of God. I ponder the events that may have happened. What would have taken place had Judas not taken his own life once he realized what the Pharisees had in store for the Lord? Would the resurrected Jesus have talked with him about what happened? About his choices? Would He have forgiven him? Was Jesus sad that Judas never gave Him the opportunity to pour out His love on a lost and confused man? Yet...Jesus had given permission for Judas to do what he was going to do knowing full well what that meant.
  When Judas tried to give back the silver to the Pharisees and they refused, did Judas take full responsibility for the events that unfolded? Events which led to the resurrection of Jesus in all His glory! Did this let the Pharisees absolve themselves of any responsibility for the death of Christ? Just like Pontius Pilate did?
  When Christians malign Judas or the Pharisees or Pontius Pilate, does this go against the heart of God? The Greatest Story Ever Told wouldn't have happened without them.
  Paul's conversion from persecutor to humble servant is point and proof that the Lord has a place in His heart for everyone.
  All we have to do is let Him in.

  I think the biggest part of reconciliation is knowing when to say you are sorry. I think being a minister of reconciliation is teaching others the value of saying, "I am sorry." It's putting down another common expression, "Love is never having to say you are sorry." Love is admitting when you've been wrong.
  It's important to own our choices. Although, I want to add, choices are often shaped by our experiences. We can only do what we are able to with the tools we have at the time.
  But that's only half of it. The other half is knowing we are forgiven which is the limitless grace of God in action. This is from a God, the wondrous Creator of heaven and earth, the Babe, the Father, the Counsellor, Emmanuel, the Bridegroom, and our Saviour, who will go to the ends of the earth to reconcile His children to life.

  This has ended up being more of an Easter blog but I always find myself thinking about the resurrection of Christ as His birthday celebration approaches.
  And I am in awe of all the Lord has done.