On
hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a
doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Go
and learn the meaning of the words; Mercy is what pleases me, not sacrifice." Mark 2:17
These are the sinner-guests (the sick ones,) invited by Jesus
to closeness with Him around the banquet table. It remains a startling story to
those who never understand that the men and women who are truly filled with
light are those who have gazed deeply into the darkness of their imperfect
existence. Perhaps it was after
meditating on this passage that Morton Kelly wrote, “The church is not a museum
for saints but a hospital for sinners.”
The Ragamuffin Gospel:
Brennan Manning
The forgiveness of God is liberation from guilt. Mercy and
compassionate love are the flaming arrow and healing balm of the Gospel – the only sign ever given by
Jesus by which a disciple would be recognized. “God be merciful to me a sinner.” Luke 18:13
For me, the most profound and tender verse in the Bible is Luke15:20. As the prodigal son returned
hoping for any semblance of acceptance, the father saw him “afar off.” He was
so overjoyed by the sight of his son that he ignored all the prudence of
parental discretion, (a.k.a. tough love,) and simply welcomed him home. The father took him back just
as he was. What encouragement, hope and comfort - Abba
just wants us to show up!
How can we ask, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and
sinners?” He dines with us every time we confess our sin and approach the table
of communion with Him - even when we are too "far off" to reach the table. We are the sick ones He calls and longing for
our hearts to know Him.
“Though I knew it was His love that followed, yet was I sore adread,
lest
having Him I must have naught beside.”
The Hound of Heaven:
Frances Thompson
CMW "Abba's Child"
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