FORGIVENESS, NOT VENGEANCE

Then the Spirit of God clothed Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, and he stood above the people, and said to them, “Thus says God, ‘Why do you break the commandments of the LORD, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have forsaken the LORD, he has forsaken you.’” But they conspired against him, and by command of the king they stoned him with stones in the court of the house of the LORD. Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah's father, had shown him, but killed his son. And when he was dying, he said, “May the LORD see and avenge! (2 Chronicles 24:20-22)

Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. (Luke 23:32-34 ESV)

In the first passage, Zechariah speaks harsh words of God to Joash, who is displeased and commands the prophet's death. This despite the fact that Zechariah was the son of Jehoiada, the priest who did so much for Joash. As Zechariah was dying, he utters a curse on Joash.

In the second passage, Jesus is crucified because people were upset with his words, his claims. This despite the fact that Jesus was the son of God, the one who did so much for the very people now calling for and carrying out his son's murder. But instead of a curse, Jesus utters words of forgiveness as he dies.

I feel gratitude and awe welling up in me, and am reminded of the day I finished my first reading of the entire Bible.