Bible
Study: Isaiah 58, 9 to 14. Luke 5, 27 to
32).
The best
sermons are not preached with words. By sitting at table with one considered to
be a sinner, Jesus was breaking every straw in Levi’s heart, even without
words, Jesus was saying to Levi: “Despite what the world says about you,
despite what your past has been, I value you, I love you. You are welcome to my
team and I need you.”
Have you
ever been forgiven before? Do you know what it feels like to be welcomed in a
place where you once erred? This Lent, we are called to show forgiveness even
to the greatest of our enemies. By so doing, we would touch their hearts and
bring about true healing; a healing that no amount of fighting and malice would
ever bring.
There is
already too much pain in the world. Yes, people are not perfect. There is no
amount of hatred or punishment that would make people better than they are or
prevent them from hurting you. You may have tried to inflict pain on people in
the past as a way of getting even – doing to them what they did to you!
This Lent,
we are called to do something different. Show love instead. Show mercy. Isaiah
says: “Take away the YOKE from your midst, stop pointing accusing fingers at
others, stop speaking wickedness.”
People are
hungry, not just for food but for love, attention and appreciation. Think of
the many around you who have never experienced the love of a father or mother. Think
of many who have to sweat hard just to hear the words “thank you.” Think of
people afflicted by suffering; in hospitals, traffic jams, the jails. “My face
is there” says Jesus, “and I look for you to wipe away my blood and tears”.
Let us
Pray:
Lord
Jesus, use me to touch the hearts of sinners that even without words, they may,
by my love be converted to you. Amen.
God bless you. Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is
well with you. Happy Weekend.
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