We live in a culture where one mistake gets you canceled. In this day and age, canceled takes on a new connotation. Previously, canceled referred to an unwanted membership or a button to press to stop a transaction. Unfortunately, this term has elevated to remove people from their place of influence and notoriety. Their history of greatness no longer exists because the masses find them unredeemable. While cancel culture occurs from without, what happens when we try cancel ourselves? We look at our mistakes and wonder if redemption is possible. God has an answer. As a result, His response is simply, “Not Canceled.”
The Story: Mark 16:1-7
In Mark 16:1-7, Mary Magdalene, the mother of Jesus, and Salome went to the burial site of Jesus with spices to anoint Jesus’s body. As they walked, they wondered who would remove the rock covering the tomb. To their surprise, the stone was already rolled away. Inside the tomb, a young man clothed in a white robe sat on the right side.
While the women were surprised by the presence, the angel proclaimed that they shouldn’t fear. He continued that Jesus was crucified and was no longer there. For he had risen as He said. He concluded by asking them to go tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus is going to Galilee and He would see them there.
The Lesson
These verses come on the heels of Peter denying Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75; Luke 22:54-62). After the denial, Peter canceled himself. He didn’t think he would ever deny Jesus. He was the one who identified Jesus as the Son of God. Not to mention, he walked on water with the Messiah. Surely, Jesus couldn’t forgive him for his blatant and overt denial.
However, Jesus isn’t like us or Peter. When we call ourselves unqualified, Jesus not only says, “Approved but not canceled.” While we’re ready to give Him a list of why we’re unqualified, God says, “I threw everything you did into the sea of forgetfulness.” So if God says we’re not canceled, let’s return ourselves to God’s assignment.
How do we do this?
- Repent. Acknowledge your sin before God. He’s ready to forgive and doesn’t hold your transgressions over your head.
- Apologize if necessary. If you’ve wronged someone, apologize. This act shows them Jesus. If they don’t accept it, it’s okay. They’re on their own healing journey. You did your part.
- Forgive yourself. Since God released you, release yourself. If condemnation fills you, know that’s not God. He doesn’t operate that way. He wants you free so you can fulfill His purpose without baggage. Choose to lay the burden down because there’s no cancellation in Jesus.
