Daily Reading: Mark 3
Scripture Focus: Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin. (Mark 3.29)
Devotional Thought: Have you ever been in the situation where you despaired, "He or she will never forgive me!"? That's a terrible feeling isn't it? And, if you feel that way about God, how much worse! I remember as a young Christian wondering, "Have I committed the 'unpardonable sin'?" That was indeed a terrible prospect to consider.
To blaspheme means "to speak lightly or profanely of sacred things." When Jesus said, "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness..." Does that mean a slip of the tongue? Is it shaking your fist in God's face and saying, "No!"? Is it an unknowable mistake? No. No. And, no.
I think it is helpful to notice the tense that Jesus uses when he speaks about blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The present tense indicates something that a person is doing now and continues to do. A person in such a condition is (notice again the present tense) guilty of an eternal sin because he or she is living in a present state of rebellion against and rejection of the Holy Spirit. Such a person cannot be forgiven - not because of God's anger - but because of refusing the only source of life that is available.
So, even feeling guilt or shame or fear concerning this matter is an indication that you are not committing the unpardonable sin! It is the Holy Spirit who is convicting you, so turn to him and receive forgiveness. It is available in Jesus Christ to any who turn to him.
Prayer: Father, thank you for your indescribable mercy! Help me always to be sensitive and responsive to the wooing of your Spirit and to never give up hope that you love me and receive me. May others, who labor under a heavy load of despair, not fall prey to Satan's schemes and lies, but may they find forgiveness and freedom in Christ. Amen!
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 2:7-12
I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
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