Friday 19 July 2013

Read: Matthew 9:9-13; James 2

How do you react when you see the drunk stumble out of a pub? Or scantily dressed teenage girls walking down the main street of town? Teenager boys with their pants halfway down their leg, running across the road in the middle of traffic? Two men kissing in the park? Are you repulsed? Are you disgusted? Are you angry? What thoughts run through your mind?

 

When Jesus called Matthew (aka Levi) to follow him, he shared a meal with his friends, the tax collectors and moral-dregs of society. The Pharisees were repulsed and disgusted by Jesus' actions, criticising and questioning His own character and integrity. Yet, Jesus responded accordingly:

 

It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

 

What does it mean to desire mercy and not sacrifice? Today, instead, we offer our worship in its place. We gather on Sunday, or meet in small groups, to gather around the Scriptures and worship God. Yet, Jesus makes a clear statement that He desires a life of mercy, not a life of idle worship.

 

James makes a similar point in his letter (James 2:12–14):

 

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

 

Jesus invites and calls us to be people who live out our faith, showing mercy to the rejected and neglected of society, otherwise our faith is as good as dead. Our lives are to reflect Jesus' desire to call sinners to Himself, by showing mercy as He showed mercy to Matthew, the tax-collector.

 

Will you seek to understand what it means to show mercy? Will you seek to change the way you see people? Will you see them the way Jesus sees them - full of compassion, because they are harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36)?

 

Prayer:

Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.

 

Adoration:

 

Confession:

 

Thanks:

 

Supplication:

Pray that God would work in your heart to help you see people with grace, compassion and mercy. Pray that God would give you opportunities to practice this kind of grace and compassion and share Him with others. Pray that God would grow this same desire in the hearts of everyone in your congregation.

Pray for those in your community who are suffering and oppressed. Pray that God would comfort them and give them peace in Him despite their difficulties. Pray that God would raise up people who are able to minister to these people and can share the gospel with them. Pray too that God would soften your heart towards this people and show you opportunities to serve them.

 

My Additional Prayer Points.

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