Are you ready for a change in direction?Today's Scripture:
Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.
Luke 5:31-23
My son Luke shared with me this morning that he was named after "the doctor" in the Bible..."Luke". Notice in the scripture we are reminded that Jesus did not call His followers based on their vocational skills or because of their fine educations or theological pedigree. Jesus had asked several fishermen to follow him and become disciples. However, Jesus' most recent choice for a disciple was raising more than a few eyebrows among Jewish religious leaders. Matthew was a tax collector, and tax collectors were despised by Jews and Gentiles alike. The rate of taxes people had to pay was vague, so it was easy for tax collectors to charge people more than they should. Then the tax collectors would use the excess they received to live extravagant lifestyles. For the Jews, the fact that a Jewish tax collector would even associate with Gentiles was itself a problem. Even if Matthew was an honest, God-fearing Jew, he was viewed by his peers as a disreputable sinner.
The Pharisee challenged Jesus' association with Matthew-and Jesus' attendance at a party at Matthew's house with other sinners just like him. Jesus' response was a bit tongue-in-cheek. He spoke to the Pharisees' false view of themselves, that they were righteous and spiritually healthy. By doing so, he emphasized how his time should be spent with those who needed his help most, instead of with those who needed his help most, instead of with those who didn't even recognize or acknowledge their need.
Selah people' and friends Jesus called people not just to follow him, but to repent.
Repentance is not changing your actions to become more righteous. Repentance is totally changing the direction you are headed.
It is allowing God to change your mind and heart to be more in line with his own. Once you do that, a change in your actions, plans, and attitudes will naturally follow.
"Matthew's change of direction was so radical that he wound up writing part of the Bible, the gospel of Matthew. Through God, your life change can be just as dramatic and significant. Remember the writer of this daily blog..."me" has not always been a pastor and have never claimed any talent at writing anything other than plays in my football playbook. Make the change and believe in faith that God will do great things in and through you!"
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston ~ Via mobile: Mount Olive, NC 28365
Selah Christian Church Disciples of Christ
Four Oaks, NC
Posts
