My Friends, the tax collectors

10-27-08

SCRIPTURE
"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him." (Mark 2:15)

OBSERVATION
I love Mark’s account of this situation with Jesus dining with sinners. He affirms that sinners need help. Jesus didn't come to make friends with the popular and highly esteemed. He came to make healthy, those who are sick in heart and separated from God. And those were the kind of people that were attracted to Jesus, anyway.

APPLICATION
It's not the size of my bank account, home, stature or brains that should attract people to Jesus. It will be dependent upon my willingness to hang out with those who are far from God. To share life with them, Love them, Serve them and attract them to Jesus.

This morning my heart is stirred to love those whom God has placed in my life who are not Christians. I have family members and people I meet with weekly who need Jesus. I want my life to attract them to the One who desires to dine with them.

To attract them to Jesus, I need to:
Pray for my friends who live their lives far from God
Reach out through acts of kindness and love
Be ready and bold to share my faith with them.
I need to keep looking for the open doors...and step in what prompted by the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER
LORD - Please help me to live in such a way that attracts people to Jesus. May my words and actions be a reflection of who You would be to them. I love You and need You.