Word@Work Luke73 - Luke 5:29-32
Published: Fri, 04/02/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE JOY OF REPENTANCE
Luke 5:29-32 Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (NIV)
Jesus had commanded a corrupt tax collector to leave his old life and become a disciple. Levi's immediate obedience was evidence of his repentance. We do not know how long he had been wanting a way out, but we do know that when Jesus called him, he responded with joy - released from a rich but empty way of life (1 Peter 1:18).
Such joy had to be shared. Levi invited many former colleagues, and other social outcasts, to a lavish banquet so that they could meet Jesus too. But the huge party attracted religious criticism: surely, holy people keep away from unholy sinners, the Pharisees complained to the disciples. But Jesus turned their argument on its head: isn't it right for sick people to go to a doctor? Their illness does not corrupt the physician; but his knowledge can bring healing. Jesus said that His job was not to entertain those who thought they had no problem, but to command sinners to repentance.
It is the same today. Many religious people do not think they need Jesus. At the same time, many others are desperate to be made clean; they want to change but do not know how. When one of them receives Jesus, it is the ideal opportunity to share the joy of repentance with work colleagues. A meal often provides the ideal opportunity to speak about Jesus; and a large party gives relaxed time for an evangelist to be heard. Self-righteous religious people may not want an invitation, but for spiritually hungry, sin-sick and world-weary colleagues - it may be the opportunity they have been waiting for. Certainly Jesus is still calling sinners, and wants them to know the huge relief of repentance, forgiveness and acceptance by God. Don't forget that the people you work with are not just cogs in some organisational machinery, but they are loved by Jesus who wants them to know the joy of repentance.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You that Jesus came to seek out sinners like me. Thank You for speaking to me and for urging me to repent and receive Your forgiveness. Although many of my friends and colleagues do not want to show any weakness, You know those who are longing to find peace with God. Please forgive me when I have ignored their spiritual needs, or presumed that they would not listen to You. Help me to take godly initiatives so that Christ may be heard, and weary souls may find rest in Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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Jesus had commanded a corrupt tax collector to leave his old life and become a disciple. Levi's immediate obedience was evidence of his repentance. We do not know how long he had been wanting a way out, but we do know that when Jesus called him, he responded with joy - released from a rich but empty way of life (1 Peter 1:18).
Such joy had to be shared. Levi invited many former colleagues, and other social outcasts, to a lavish banquet so that they could meet Jesus too. But the huge party attracted religious criticism: surely, holy people keep away from unholy sinners, the Pharisees complained to the disciples. But Jesus turned their argument on its head: isn't it right for sick people to go to a doctor? Their illness does not corrupt the physician; but his knowledge can bring healing. Jesus said that His job was not to entertain those who thought they had no problem, but to command sinners to repentance.
It is the same today. Many religious people do not think they need Jesus. At the same time, many others are desperate to be made clean; they want to change but do not know how. When one of them receives Jesus, it is the ideal opportunity to share the joy of repentance with work colleagues. A meal often provides the ideal opportunity to speak about Jesus; and a large party gives relaxed time for an evangelist to be heard. Self-righteous religious people may not want an invitation, but for spiritually hungry, sin-sick and world-weary colleagues - it may be the opportunity they have been waiting for. Certainly Jesus is still calling sinners, and wants them to know the huge relief of repentance, forgiveness and acceptance by God. Don't forget that the people you work with are not just cogs in some organisational machinery, but they are loved by Jesus who wants them to know the joy of repentance.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank You that Jesus came to seek out sinners like me. Thank You for speaking to me and for urging me to repent and receive Your forgiveness. Although many of my friends and colleagues do not want to show any weakness, You know those who are longing to find peace with God. Please forgive me when I have ignored their spiritual needs, or presumed that they would not listen to You. Help me to take godly initiatives so that Christ may be heard, and weary souls may find rest in Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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