Wednesday September 17th, 2014 Matthew 9:9-13
"'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." (verse 13b)
In my second year of ministry a homeless couple was living in their broken-down truck near town. Winter was coming fast. One would think we should do whatever we could to help this couple find shelter before the Saskatchewan cold hit. Unfortunately, most people in town had a negative perception of this couple.
How often do negative thoughts enter our minds when we come across people who are different from us? How often do these negative thoughts prevent us from helping them?
What surprised me about the situation in town was when two members of our church stepped up and challenged us to do something for this couple. “Forget if people think negative thoughts about this couple, Pastor, we need to reach out to them.” So with God’s grace we were able to find these people a home next door to Erin and me.
Jesus reaches out to the sinners, and when the naysayers get on his case, Jesus reminds them that God is merciful. Jesus didn’t come to reject those who long to know God’s love. Jesus came to show us forgiveness and new live. It is amazing that Matthew, the so-called sinner, gets up without hesitation and follows Jesus.
Loving God, open our hearts to those who long to know your gracious love. Amen. — WHB
Contributed by The People Next Door
In my second year of ministry a homeless couple was living in their broken-down truck near town. Winter was coming fast. One would think we should do whatever we could to help this couple find shelter before the Saskatchewan cold hit. Unfortunately, most people in town had a negative perception of this couple.
How often do negative thoughts enter our minds when we come across people who are different from us? How often do these negative thoughts prevent us from helping them?
What surprised me about the situation in town was when two members of our church stepped up and challenged us to do something for this couple. "Forget if people think negative thoughts about this couple, Pastor, we need to reach out to them." So with God's grace we were able to find these people a home next door to Erin and me.
Jesus reaches out to the sinners, and when the naysayers get on his case, Jesus reminds them that God is merciful. Jesus didn't come to reject those who long to know God's love. Jesus came to show us forgiveness and new live. It is amazing that Matthew, the so-called sinner, gets up without hesitation and follows Jesus.
