Passing along, Jesus saw a man at his work collecting taxes. His name was Matthew. Jesus said, "Come along with me." Matthew stood up and followed him.
Later when Jesus was eating supper at Matthew's house with his close followers, a lot of disreputable characters came and joined them. When the Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company, they had a fit, and lit into Jesus' followers. "What kind of example is this from your Teacher, acting cozy with crooks and riffraff?"
Jesus, overhearing, shot back, "Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? Go figure out what this Scripture means: 'I'm after mercy, not religion.' I'm here to invite outsiders, not coddle insiders." (Matthew 9:9-13 The Message Translation)
"I'm after mercy, not religion".... The NIV translates this passage "I desire mercy, not sacrifice". ...interesting. What does this mean - really?
I found myself recounting my "mercy" revelation story tonight to some dear friends. ..and here I read about mercy again tonight. Are you trying to tell me something, Lord? I can't think of anyone in my life that needs mercy... hmm.
Well, Lord, if you're about to reveal another layer of this amazing concept, I'm ready for it. I want to be a do-er of justice and a lover of mercy. To You be the glory, alone.
(side note: Gavin has been really sick lately. He had a staff infection and then came down with viral meningitis... He's still recovering. Please keep him and us in your prayers.)
