by Darren Hewer
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “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.” (Matthew 9:10-13)
When I became a Christian at age 22, I thought church was only for perfect people. Or at least people who could act perfectly on Sunday mornings. I didn’t understand that the purpose of the church is to give a hand to the sick, not to pat the healthy on the back: ““It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Matthew 9:12)
Author Brennan Manning put it this way: “The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners.” That’s encouraging, because I often don’t feel much like a saint. Do saints lose patience with their brothers and sisters in Christ? Lose their temper? Sometimes even lose that passionate fire for the gospel?
But if we come to Jesus, acknowledging that we’re “the sick,” we always find a seat at His table reserved for us each time we gather. Plus, we can minister God’s healing grace and love to anyone there with us in the hospital called the church.
Is it time to admit you’re sick? Is it time for you to encourage the hurting in your church?
Jesus, thank You that You came to heal me and welcome me to Your table. I open up my heart for You to heal me today. Massage my old scars so that nothing gets in the way of me fully obeying You. Help me minister Your love and healing to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
Action Step
The next time you’re together with other believers, humbly ask for prayer if life’s been a battle for you lately. If you’re doing OK, make a point of praying for or encouraging someone who’s struggling.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/12/02/dh_do-you-go-to-the-hospital-on-sundays/
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