15 As Yeshua was in Levi’s house eating, many tax-collectors and sinners were sitting with Yeshua and his talmidim, for there were many of them among his followers. 16 When the Torah-teachers and the P’rushim saw that he was eating with sinners and tax-collectors, they said to his talmidim, “Why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners?” 17 But, hearing the question, Yeshua answered them, “The ones who need a doctor aren’t the healthy but the sick. I didn’t come to call the ‘righteous’ but sinners!”
18 Also Yochanan’s talmidim and the P’rushim were fasting; and they came and asked Yeshua, “Why is it that Yochanan’s talmidim and the talmidim of the P’rushim fast, but your talmidim don’t fast?” 19 Yeshua answered them, “Can wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, fasting is out of the question. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; and when that day comes, they will fast. 21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old coat; if he does, the new patch tears away from the old cloth and leaves a worse hole. 22 And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine is for freshly prepared wineskins.”
"Step One, Admit" by Author: Gary ShankThe 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous have been an effective recovery aid since they were first introduced in 1939. First among the steps is admitting a need and personal powerlessness to overcome regardless of discipline, ability, or strength. In fact, it is weakness and acknowledgement of absolute inability that leads to reliance on a power beyond self and becomes the foundation for recovery.
Jesus mingled with sinners who recognized their condition and were well aware of their weakness and need. With no illusions of righteousness or merit of their own, many responded to the call of Jesus and allowed His transforming work in their hearts and lives. On the other hand, others believed themselves to be righteous by virtue of their own actions. Unwilling to admit personal need, they continued in denial, remaining unreachable and unchanged.
When we reach the end of ourselves, admitting our sinfulness and need of a Savior is step 1. Step 2 is grabbing hold of His nail-scarred hands.
Hymn for Today: "Thou to Whom the sick and dying" by Godfrey Thring (1870)
1. Thou to Whom the sick and dying
Ever came, nor came in vain,
Still with healing word replying
To the wearied cry of pain;
Hear us, Jesus, as we meet
Suppliants at Thy mercy-seat.
2. Every care, and every sorrow,
Be it great, or be it small,
Yesterday, to-day, to-morrow,
When, where'er it may befall,
Lay we humbly at Thy feet,
Suppliants at Thy mercy-seat.
3. Still the weary, sick and dying
Need a brother's, sister's care,
On Thy higher help relying
May we now their burden share,
Bringing all our offerings meet
Suppliants at Thy mercy-seat.
4. May each child of Thine be willing,
Willing both in hand and heart,
All the law of love fulfilling,
Ever comfort to impart,
Ever bringing offerings meet
Suppliant to Thy mercy-seat.
5. So may sickness, sin and sadness
To Thy healing virtue yield,
Till the sick and sad, in gladness,
Rescued, ransomed, cleansèd, healed,
One in Thee together meet,
Pardoned at Thy judgment-seat.
Amen.
Thought for Today:"And no one puts new wine in old wineskins; if he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins will be ruined. Rather, new wine is for freshly prepared wineskins." Mark 2:22.
Please pray:
For the people who are dealing with their addictions and working through the twelve step program.
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Please pray:
For the people who are dealing with their addictions and working through the twelve step program.
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