Remember the Duck

Though I would explain the word “unconditional” in this context, I like this post from Tullian Tchivijian.

Tullian Tchividjian:

This story told by my friend and former professor, Steve Brown, illustrates well the radical discrepancy between the ways in which we hold other people hostage in their sin and the unconditional forgiveness that God offers to us in Christ.

Do you remember the story about the little boy who killed his grandmother’s pet duck? He accidentally hit the duck with a rock from his slingshot. The boy didn’t think anybody saw the foul deed, so he buried the duck in the backyard and didn’t tell a soul.

Later, the boy found out that his sister had seen it all. Not only that, she now had the leverage of his secret and used it. Whenever it was the sister’s turn to wash the dishes, take out the garbage or wash the car, she would whisper in his ear, “Remember the duck.” And then the little boy would do what his sister should have done.

There is always a limit to that sort of thing. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore–he’d had it! The boy went to his grandmother and, with great fear, confessed what he had done. To his surprise. . .

Read the rest here.

Published by Chris

5 thoughts on “Remember the Duck”

  1. I have to pay better attention … somehow I thought I was commenting here when I was actually the original post from Tullian. I’ll try again … and by the way, did you mean “would” or “would not” in your first sentence?

    I am surprised to see this analogy reprinted here.

    “I was standing at the kitchen sink and saw the whole thing. I forgave you then.” Is this an unfortunate byproduct of using analogies or is the concept that one is forgiven without repentance intentional? I perceived you were in the camp that forgiveness is subsequent to repentance.

    Don’t get me wrong, overall, there are multiple points in this which I agree with and this serves as a good reminder.

    So what do you think about the “I forgave you then” aspect?

  2. Rick – – what I meant is that I don’t agree with the way that the word “unconditional” is used in this sentence. I do believe that forgiveness is subsequent to repentance.

    But, like you, I thought there were enough profitable points that I went ahead and posted it.

    As for the, “I forgave you then,” aspect. I think it should be stated a different way. I do think forgiveness is conditional. . .

  4. Ah…just now see this here on your blog Chris. When I read it on Tullian’s blog I raised similar concerns as Rick’s. Of course, having read your book, I understand your conditions surrounding “unconditional” and heartily agree. While this analogy has some good points that resonate with the Gospel, it does break down a wee bit.

  5. Yes, Paul, I agree with you about that. I even struggle a bit over whether or not the Grandmother should have waited to confront. Though, I do think there would be a place for that.

    I thought the story made a good point about grace and the willingness to forgive.

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