Scripture: Luke 15:1-2
All the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around Jesus to listen to him. The Pharisees and legal experts were grumbling, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
Thought for the Day: I don’t think Christianity today can really be accused of what Jesus was accused of doing. We are spending so much time bickering and debating who are today’s tax collectors and sinners that the only people gathering around us are those with whom we are debating. The marginalized and hated, the broken and lost are all standing on the outside confused about our internal debates. I believe God wants to hear the church – the body of Christ – being accused of welcoming the “sinners” of the world. Instead, we appear only interested in welcoming a good debate…because debating requires nothing of substance from any of us.
My soapbox speech is over. Thank you for listening.
Prayer: Help me, God of Immeasurable Grace, to look around at those who are feeling dismissed and disenfranchised by the very body of believers called to welcome those that society has rejected. Forgive us, Lord, and then push us to model our lives after Jesus. Amen.
Consider Inviting A Friend
A Week from Friday
