Top X July 19, 2025 Devotional
July 19, 2025
MATTHEW 18:23-29, 32-34 | 23 For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him, 25 and, as he could not pay, the lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him by the throat he said, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’
32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt.
One thing that helps us avoid the desire to hit back when wounded, to seek revenge, is the fact that justice and judgment ultimately belong to the Lord. In America we are given the right to a speedy trial, since “justice delayed is justice forsworn.” Forgiveness can feel like “justice delayed.” But we must remember there will be a final judgement, in which every evil will be exposed and dealt with. There is no escape, no way to skip the moment, fool the judge, or fix the jury. That judgement brooks no appeal, offers no parole, can countenances no excuse — except faith in the gracious forgiveness offered in Christ. If we want that forgiveness, then we must share it now, trusting the judgement of others to our Sovereign Lord.
How do you feel as you read today's parable?
Gracious God,
Give us patience with others, trusting that You will not allow evil to go unpunished. Help us to be humble in light of our own debts, and kind to fellow debtors.
Amen.
