SITTING WITH SINNERS

Written by: Jenny Calvert

And as he sat at dinner in Levis house, many tax collectors and sinners were also
sitting with Jesus and his disciplesfor there were many who followed him. When
the scribes of the Pharisees saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors,
they said to his disciples, Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners? When
Jesus heard this, he said to them, Those who are well have no need of a physician,
but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.
Mark 2:15-17 (NRSV)
Every Sunday Norma would come to church with her children. She read her Bible,
prayed and would volunteer, but her husband never was at her side. Why?
Because most likely he was in the local bar. He was an alcoholic. Norma never gave
up her hope that God would answer her prayers for his salvation. Many years later
after all their children were grown, she was still praying and hoping.
In the meantime, there sat her husband in the bar where one day, God met him.
Over a drink, God spoke to his heart. And it was right there in that bar where
Normas husband turned his life over to the Lord. He got up, walked out of the bar,
and never returned. After that he was right by Normas side in church. He was a
shining example of someone lifted by Gods love, and Normas face was the face of
pure joy and gratitude.
God showed me that yes, Jesus does sit down with the tax collectors and sinners.
He also showed me that we need to do the same. Jesus set the example but many
times we are afraid of what it would look like if someone saw us sitting and eating
with sinners. How will they hear if we stay in our safe little cocoon? We must
spread the love of Jesus to all.
Dear Jesus,
Thank-you for setting such a good example. Help us to follow in you footsteps.
Forgive us for being afraid of going out and telling of your love to everyone.
In Your Sons Name I pray,
Amen