How To Really Pray, When Really Wronged...

As a kid, I tended to say the same phrases, over and over again.  For example, if my mom baked a batch of her ‘out of this world’ sticky rolls I’d say:  “gimme, gimme, gimme!”  But my most frequent phrase was:  “It’s not fair!” “It’s not fair that Susie got three scopes of ice cream and all I got was a lousy sugar cookie!”  “It’s not fair that I got punished, that I got a whooping, but all Johnnie Jones got was a slap on the hand!!”

As we encounter the crucifixion, in anticipation of Good Friday, there’s more than a ‘slap on the hand’ occurring.  There’s a whooping, a punishment.  And frankly: it’s not fair!  I mean the crucifixion is a severe injustice.

Jesus did not deserve anything recorded in this event!  Yet Isaiah tells us:  

“…he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities…We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way -- [yet] the Lord has laid on [Jesus] -- the inequity of us all…”  (Isaiah 53:5-6). 

Peter sums up the irony:  

“…Christ…died…for all -- the Righteous for the unrighteous -- (the Just for the unjust -- the Innocent for the guilty) -- that He might bring us to God…” (1 Peter 3:18, The Amplified Bible).

For knowing God, Christ illustrates, is linked to ‘doing’ life, when life’s not fair.  I mean ‘life in God’ deepens, when we trust God, even when bruised/beaten, for no just reason at all.  As Oswald Chambers notes: 

“...We are…capable of being spiritual sluggards.  We do not want to mix with the rough and tumble of life… [But] the test of our spirituality comes when we come up against injustice and meanness and ingratitude and turmoil…” - Oswald Chambers   

That's why we encounter the crucifixion.  For the crucifixion is the ultimate model of coming against injustice, meanness, ingratitude and turmoil -- but -- in God deepening ways.   

And so we enter the crucifixion, going deeper into the words of Jesus.  In particular, these words:

 “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing…”  (Luke 23:34  

As we look to Jesus, we discover we must. 

And so we enter the injustice of Jesus, thinking of our own injustice, discovering, that when wronged we must...

1) Seek Heavenly Support And Allies.  So often when wronged and ‘done-in.' we scramble for human assistance; and that’s important.  But even more important is divine assistance.  

Its interesting Jesus was surrounded by several family members and friends during the crucifixion.  To be precise, Bible scholars believe Jesus' mother and aunt (Mary the wife of Clopas) were there, along with his friends Mary Magdalene and John the Beloved (John 19:25).  

But Jesus doesn’t call out to any of these persons, initially.  Why his first word from the cross is directed toward heaven.    “Father” (Luke 23:34) -- Jesus cries.

‘Father,’ of course refers to His Heavenly Father, God Almighty. Literally the word ‘Father’ means: upholder, nourisher, protector.  And indeed that’s who God is: upholder, nourisher, protector, especially when we’re most vulnerable and attacked.

A while back, CNN reported an amazing story.  Without warning, a young Ethiopian woman was abducted in a remote area, and brutally beaten.  The reason:  to force her to marry a man not of her choosing, a common practice in Ethiopian.  But the woman fought back, crying out.  And then a miracle occurred:  three majestic lions, the national symbol of Ethiopian, appeared out of ‘no where.’  

But it gets better.  The lions chased the woman’s captors away -- and then -- formed a protective perimeter around her, standing guard for hours.  Finally the police arrived, but they were taken back.  I mean ‘lions are lions.'  Should they approach or shouldn’t they?  But as soon as the lions saw the police, they just stood up and walked away.  

As one policeman put it:  “…they left [the girl] like a gift, and went back into the forest…”  (emphasis added)

God considers us a gift.  And so He surrounds us in our hour of need.  For our God is no wimpy God.  Why Revelation 5:5 tells us, He is the Lion Of Judah.  And so

“…Stop weeping!”  Revelation 5:5 admonishes.  “See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has won -- [He] (has overcome and conquered)! (Revelation 5:5) -- everything!  

The result?  We’re free in amazing and startling ways!  One of the most startling is the freedom -- when wronged -- to... 

2) Fathom, Ponder, Forgiveness.   Now that’s a shocking prospect, especially when people do unjust, mean things.  But nevertheless, we’re to consider, the prospect of pardon.

For after Jesus prayed ‘Father,’ Jesus prayed:  ‘Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34) referring to the very persons crucifying Him, wronging Him.

And so, no matter the depth of our wound, we're to entertain the option of forgiveness in new and practical ways.  For Ikechukwu Izuakor is right:  "...Our hearts are all prison walls when we hold people captive with chains of unforgiveness...”

One aspect of newness/practicality, is acknowledging what doesn't constitute forgiveness.  Ron Edmonson is pointed and specific.

Forgiveness is not:

• Forgetting – When you forgive someone your memory isn’t suddenly wiped clean of the offense. I know God could do that, but it seems that would be the easy way. I suspect God wants forgiveness to be more intentional than that.
• Regaining Automatic Trust – You don’t immediately trust the person who injured you when you forgive them. That wouldn’t even be logical. Trust is earned, and they must earn trust again.
• Removal Of Consequences – Even though you forgive someone, they may still have consequences to face because of their actions.
• Ignoring The Offense – You don’t have to pretend nothing happened when you forgive. The reality is an offense was made. Acting like it never occurred only builds resentment and anger.
Instant emotional healing – Emotions heal with time. Some pain runs deep and takes longer to heal. 
• Restoring The Same Relationship – The relationship may be closer than before or not, but most likely it will never be the same.
• A Leverage Of Power – Granting forgiveness does not give a person power over the person being forgiven. That would violate the entire principle and purpose of forgiveness. http://ronedmondson.com/2013/07/7-things-forgiveness-is-not-2.html

But then, what is forgiveness?  

Literally in the New Testament forgiveness is the Greek word ‘aphiemi,’ which means to ‘come out’ (Luke 4:39), or to ‘send away’ (Matthew 6:12).

And what are we to ‘send away’?  Why we’re to send away bitterness – we’re to send away resentment -- we’re to send away hatred -- we’re to send away any notion of revenge. 

In a fascinating study entitled: "How The Brain Heals Emotional Wounds: The Functional Neuroanatomy Of Forgiveness," Emilano Ricciardi and others, documented scientifically, the impact of forgiveness on our human form and frame.

"...In life, everyone goes through hurtful events caused by significant others: a deceiving friend, a betraying partner, or an unjustly blaming parent. In response to painful emotions, individuals may react with anger, hostility, and the desire for revenge. As an alternative, they may decide to forgive the wrongdoer and relinquish resentment. In...[our]...study...[we discovered that]...Forgiveness was associated with positive emotional states as compared to unforgiveness...".  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3856773  (emphasis added)

Where do you need to improve your positive emotional state?  

I’m not asking you to forget the injustice, the sin done against you.  I’m simply asking you to jettison, to ‘send away,’ the resentment that is consuming you.   

Send it away!  Send it away!

For it’s not our role to ‘settle the score’ and punish...

3) Remember: Judgment Is God’s Prerogative, And God’s Alone.    I think that’s why Jesus is relatively non-anxious as he concludes his prayer from the cross.   “Father, forgive them -- for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34).   I mean He could have said: “father, forgive them, after all they need it!  After all they’re no-good, filthy, sinful scoundrels!”

But Jesus does nothing of the kind.  Rather he uses a neutral approach, avoiding any hint of judgment.  It’s as if He’s anticipating the words of Paul in Romans 12 – 

“Do not take revenge…but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:19-21). 

Paul is underscoring many things in this text, including this reality:  there will be a Day of Judgment.

Though we seldom mention it – there will be a day of accountability, when all will stand before a Holy God and give an account of our lives.   Now for those who fail to repent of injustice and sin – judgment day will not be a happy day; it will be a fierce and flaming experience.  But for those of us who do repent of injustice, who do repent of our sin – judgment day will be a great day, as Jesus smiles on us and protects our life!

Many years ago a father and daughter were walking through the grass on the Canadian prairie.  Suddenly in the distance, a prairie fire approached, coming closer, and closer.  Instinctively the father knew the fire would soon engulf them.  But it dawned on him: there was a way of escape.  Why he could begin a fire where they were standing, and create a safe spot, a spot already burned.  

And sure enough, that’s exactly what he did.  Well in no time, the fire came closer and closer – and the father and daughter jumped into the safe spot, the spot already burned.  But the daughter still freaked out.  I mean the flames were right there before them, leaping high!  But the Dad was absolutely confidant. “Honey” he said.  The flames can’t get us”  “Don’t you remember: we’re standing where the flames have already been!!”

If you’re in Christ, you’re standing where the flames have already been!  I mean the crucifixion of Christ, the suffering of Christ, has burned, etched and sealed our deliverance!  

Thus, we do not fear flames of judgment from God – or flames of judgment from others -- the hurt, betrayal and meanness of others.  

For ultimately Christ does protect and Christ does rescue! 

Believe: Christ does protect and Christ does rescue.  Seek heavenly allies and support.  fathom and ponder forgiveness.  Remember judgment is God’s prerogative -- God’s alone.      

   

For I know persons have hurt you; I know persons have been terribly unfair toward you.  But God has poured out His life for you – to empower you – to liberate you – to move on.  

And so move on!  

‘Send away’ your resentment, bitterness and revenge.   

Say the words of Jesus -- the prayer of Jesus:  “father forgive them – for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34).   

For a lot of people don’t know what they are doing.  

But God knows exactly what He’s doing.  

Why He sent Jesus: to save you from the flaming judgment.  To heal you of injustice, hurt and sin.  To burn and seal your deliverance – now and forever more.   And so in the words of Revelation 5:5 -

“…Stop weeping! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah…has won -- [He] (has overcome and conquered)! (Revelation 5:5) -- everything! 

And I mean – everything!