The spirit of forgiveness - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2023

To the LORD our God belong mercy and forgiveness.
Daniel 9: 9.

The spirit of forgiveness
Six years ago today the University of Garissa in Kenya became the victim of a terrorist attack by Shebabs, in which 148 people lost their lives. Ciku Muriuki, a radio announcer, transmitted a personal message to the assassins. Here it is:

“You are responsible for the death of 148 students. I am saddened for all those families who have been deprived of their loved ones. But I am not sad because of those who have passed on. I suppose you have deliberately chosen this Easter time, when Christ gave His life for us all, including yourselves. Perhaps you ridicule this solemn day in the Christian year. …

“On that Friday an angry crowd insulted and mocked Him, demanding His blood. Roman soldiers spat in His face, struck Him, pressed a crown of thorns on His head and callously nailed Him to a cross. Why such cruelty? Jesus looked down at His assassins and said: “Father, forgive them!” If those men bear the responsibility for putting Him to death, it was He who voluntarily gave His life for us who sin deliberately or through ignorance.

“It was for you that Christ died, for you who have killed my Christian brothers and sisters. … Jesus died, but He rose again. And so it will be for the Christian students whom you have massacred. They will be raised up, for eternal life is promised to those who believe in Him. … Christ also died for you on the cross – for your salvation, if you repent.”

Today‘s reading: Deuteronomy 18: 1 – 22 · Matthew 27: 27 – 38