“But that you may know that the Son of man has power upon earth to forgive sins” (Luke 5:24).

The invitation hymn was quietly being sung. The pastor stood and talked quietly with a sobbing young man who had responded to the invitation to receive Christ as his Savior. The congregation continued singing the next verse as the young man said to the pastor, “Mister, you don’t know how bad I am. I decided to stop at the first church I came to. This was it. I don’t think that the Lord could ever forgive me. I have broken the law, and I have been wicked.” Pastor Kenward put one hand on the man’s shoulder and with the other one he continued shaking his hand. The young man wouldn’t let go. Pastor Kenward didn’t mind. He spoke with conviction as he said, “Young man, I don’t know you. But whatever you have done, the Lord Jesus said that He has all the power and authority needed to forgive the sin of anyone who trusts Him for salvation. That includes you.” It was a great day for that young man. It was a great day for that congregation as well. What a super reminder that the Lord has the authority to forgive sins!

For today: Aren’t you glad that the Lord Jesus forgives!