Jesus called tax collectors to be disciples. He even went to eat with them and with their friends. Jewish leaders voiced their displeasure. If He only knew who these people were… and Jesus knew. It was just the kind of people that He was hoping to reach… sinners who need a Savior. The Good News is that He is STILL wanting to reach ALL sinners and to show them that He is their Savior. Thank Him for His amazing grace and mercy that He shows to us!
Please pass along this verse to all your friends on social media. Ask them if they have ever served food in a ‘soup kitchen’ or at a ‘Thanksgiving dinner for the homeless’. Ask how that made them feel and if that touched them in any way. Listen to how they respond. Let them know that in God’s eyes, we are all ‘poor and needy’. We are poor in faith and needy of forgiveness and mercy. That is what Jesus gives. Tell them that. Then, Take Time For God’s Word© as you see poor or hungry people or at 2:17 pm and recall this verse and how Jesus ate with tax collectors. This may be a verse card to save onto your phone and to even print out a few copies to keep with you or to put up around the house. It is a reminder. It reminds us that we are sinners… AND that Jesus came to die for us so that we might live with Him forever. We often get so busy in our daily activities that we miss the significance of what He has done for us. He came just for you and for me! Thank you, Lord!!
We lift up our prayers for all of the early responder organizations to the weather related and other catastrophic disasters around the world. We especially pray for the Red Cross (Washington, DC) as they go wherever there is a need and they stay for months to help restore communities that have suffered. Support them. Help if you can. Volunteer if you are able. You will be a great blessing to others. Continue to be blessed. Pass it on to sinners in need of a savior.
