Day 328 - Receive Forgiveness

Julie Austin

“In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock at night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood near them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people;11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:8-11 NASB

The most remarkable story of forgiveness began in a manger thousands of years ago. God sent his only son to be born of a virgin, fulfilling the words of the prophets. This was part of a plan that would provide a means of restoring the relationship between God and His greatest creation. Without the death of His son, forgiveness is not possible. God knew the sacrifice that He was making would be difficult but necessary.

The miracle of Jesus’s birth was announced to a group of shepherds. They said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” The birth of any child brings enormous amounts of joy. But in this case, God knew what was coming. He knew that the birth of Jesus was where joy began. The greatness of this joy would only be accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Yesterday’s devotion was about the prodigal son. That story mirrors our story. God, our Father, longs to forgive us. He desires to have a relationship with His children. He loves each of us so much that He was willing to sacrifice His only son so that forgiveness is possible. All we have to do is accept the forgiveness that is graciously offered. The overwhelming joy when a person accepts this forgiveness is truly indescribable.

The joy that comes from someone coming to the saving grace of our Father is contagious. At Discover Life Church, we stand up and cheer whenever someone walks forward to commit their life to Him. When someone repents and is forgiven, God throws a party. It’s true! There is a celebration in heaven over every soul that comes to the Father by accepting forgiveness through Jesus. Matthew 15:10 says, “There is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Absolute joy is found through forgiveness!

Next Steps

Think about it: Have you accepted the forgiveness that is available to you through Jesus? Have you surrendered to Him?
Action Step: Starting a relationship with God can happen today. Ask God to forgive you and accept His forgiveness.