Can you remember the feeling you had when you knew
you had done wrong and were just sure that you were about to be caught? We can
all relate to that dark, lonely, sickening feeling of impending doom. What we
needed, but seemed impossible, was forgiveness. What was done could not be
undone, so our only real hope for restoration was forgiveness. Forgiveness goes
beyond mercy to restore the relationship that was lost. The restored
relationship is improved (because of the knowledge of that undeserved
forgiveness), cemented by an understanding of the love that was necessary to go
beyond the offense to genuine forgiveness and unity.
(Acts 26:18-19) “To open
their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, …I was not
disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”
People
need us to be faithful to the heavenly vision so that they too may receive
forgiveness. This is Missions.