January 16, 2018 - HE CAME FOR SINNERS - HE CAME FOR YOU!

Day 16 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 12, Psalm 15, Matthew 9:1-13)

“And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:10-13 ESV) 

What good news we find in this account. Jesus’ attendance at this dinner party with sinners assures us that He wants to be with us too. Yes, what good news that Jesus came for sinners!This means that He came for you. The hymn writer captures this good news in moving fashion:

1. Jesus sinners doth receive; Oh, may all this saying ponder
    Who in sin's delusions live And from God and heaven wander!
    Here is hope for all who grieve: Jesus sinners doth receive.

The hope that is ours in Jesus is the good news everyone needs!

2. We deserve but grief and shame, Yet His words, rich grace revealing,
    Pardon, peace, and life proclaim. Here our ills have perfect healing
    Firmly in these wounds believe: Jesus sinners doth receive. 

Peace and pardon for sinners like you and me is truly good news!

5. Now my conscience is at peace, From the Law I stand acquitted;
    Christ hath purchased my release And my every sin remitted.
   Naught remains my soul to grieve: Jesus sinners doth receive. 

Jesus grants repentant sinners a clean conscience. What good news!

6. Jesus sinners doth receive. Also I have been forgiven;
    And when I this earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven.
    Dying, still to Him I cleave: Jesus sinners doth receive. 

Heaven is yours even though you’re a sinner.  That’s the ultimate good news!
(Jesus Sinners Doth Receive, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, # 608)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news that Jesus came for sinners, including me.   Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!