“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Then the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest; and he stood above the people and said to them, “Thus God has said, ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord and do not prosper? Because you have forsaken the Lord, He has also forsaken you.’” So they conspired against him and at the command of the king they stoned him to death in the court of the house of the Lord.

The people were bent on doing what was right in their own eyes, and turned away from the Lord. Even though Zechariah was impelled by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth in that circumstance, he still suffered death for this expression of His faith. The early church, beginning with Stephen, had many martyrs. Even in the face of such a high price His plan of salvation went forth even more effectively and was received by many. Today we don’t see this happening in our part of the world; let us remember to pray for those willing to pay this ultimate price in other parts of the world. And let us pray for the boldness of His Spirit in those
situations where He may use us!

We thank You for Your Holy Spirit, and that no matter what happens we can trust You in all situations, that we may be faithful to echo our Lord’s prayer: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”