Thursday, March 23

THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2017

 

Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, ‘Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and ‘sinners’?”

 

Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:29–32)

 

 

This passage really shocks me.  It points to God’s wonderful compassion for people that the Lord Jesus would indeed wish to interact with tax collectors and “sinners.”  He enters this party not reluctantly, but joyfully.  He brings life by His presence and His broad invitation to “Come” and “Take my yoke.”

 

Please note also that Jesus calls not the healthy, but the sick.  Typically, only the sick seek the care of a doctor:  they recognize their desperation and look for medical intervention.  Only when we take account of our deadness in sin may we find real life in Christ.

 

Do you find stories of rehabilitation and restoration to be encouraging?  I certainly do.  Tonight, I was reading about a retired newspaper editor who dedicates time to help inmates publish The San Quentin News, which has circulation through the California prison system.  11 inmates serve as the sole journalists, with assistance from volunteers to bring everything together.  The experience transfers crucial values like accountability, teamwork, and curiosity.  For some of the inmates, the paper provides a bright hope in a monotonous world.

 

Where may we join the Lord Jesus in bringing reconciliation and restoration in our world?  As Pastor Scott asked, where in the world does the love of God need to shine?  May we be bold and courageous, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to share the life of Christ in difficult spots.  May the Gospel multiply in our homes and community.

 

 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of lovingly pursuing relationships with tax collectors and “sinners.”  Give us courage and strength through the Holy Spirit to follow You and give our hearts to those we see in need.  We love You and serve You today.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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