First be reconciled to your brother | Westside Eagle Observer

"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny." Matthew 5:23-26

Since the commandment against murder not only forbids the unjust taking of human life, but also forbids us to do or say anything which would unjustly cause hurt or harm to another, Jesus points out that true worship and service toward God is not just to come before Him with our worship and our gifts, or even with empty words of repentance. Rather, God would have us first make right the wrongs we have done to others and be reconciled with those we have offended. If we are unwilling to repent of the evil that we have done and seek reconciliation with those we have hurt and harmed, neither will God be pleased with our offerings and worship.

Jesus goes on to say: "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny." While this is certainly sound advice for one about to be taken to court, it has far greater import. The LORD God will be our judge on the Last Day, and everyone is on his way to this final judgment. The Scriptures say that "it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

Since we are all on our way to God's final judgment, would we want to have another pleading to God for righteous judgment against us because of the wrongs that we have done? And, who will be our judge on the Last Day? The Scriptures clearly tell us that it will be the crucified and risen Messiah, Jesus, the Son of God (cf. Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Would we not also be wise to agree with Him along the way, acknowledge our utter sinfulness, and seek His mercy and forgiveness now before it is too late? After all, Christ Jesus came into the world and went to the cross to pay in full for our sins.

The Bible tells us: "If we confess our sins [the Greek word translated "confess" literally means to "say the thing" with God, or agree with His judgment concerning our sin and guilt], He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

"Delay not, delay not, O sinner draw near, the waters of life are now flowing for thee. No price is demanded; the Savior is here; redemption is purchased, salvation is free ... Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand; the earth shall dissolve, and the heavens shall fade. The dead, small and great, in the Judgment shall stand; what pow'r, then, O sinner, shall lend thee its aid?" (The Lutheran Hymnal, #278).

O gracious and merciful Father, forgive all my sins for the sake of Jesus and His blood shed for me on Calvary's cross. Help me also to go to those I have hurt and wronged, seek their forgiveness, and be reconciled. Amen.

Community on 09/02/2015