Words of Encouragement
September - 19 - 2004
Why did Jesus associate with sinners? Because we need him to associate with us! What's the most crucial part of that truth, Jesus' desire to save or our recognition of our sinfulness? Of course the most crucial part is Jesus' desire to save because without him, recognizing our sinfulness would only lead to despair. But without recognizing our need for his grace, his sacrifice for us is lost. So let's praise Jesus as our loving and sacrificial Savior, but let's also acknowledge our need for his merciful and mighty grace!
Let us read Matthew 9:12-13
12 When Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
13 "But go and learn what this means:'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.' For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Let us go to our heavenly Father in prayer.
Gracious Father, we praise you from the bottom of our heart for providing Jesus as our Savior. At the same time, dear Father, we confess to you our struggle with sin. We want it completely out of our life, but we find that we cannot rid ourselves of its constant shadow and its penetrating stain. Without your grace and the sacrifice of Jesus, we know we could not stand before you as your pure child. Please forgive us when we do fall short and please accept our praise for your gracious forgiveness.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.