Then the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him.
Far too often Father we look at the speck in someone else's eye before removing the log in our own eye. Today Father may we have greater understanding of Jesus words to the Pharisees when He said, "I desire mercy and not sacrifice, for I did not call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." You are more interested in our loyal love and devotion than external rituals. You have already judged sacrifice without mercy is worthless. Yet on and on it goes, the thinking ones pious and scrupulous law keeping makes one righteous. A broken and contrite heart You do not despise but with open arms welcome in the sinner who is sorrowful and grieved over their sin. Even when we are headed back to You with the realization of the transgressions we have committed, You see us from afar off and have compassion on us. It is a marvelous miracle when one understands they are no longer worthy to be called son or daughter But You Lord, place the best robe on us, a ring on our finger and new sandals on our feet. The robe of righteousness, the ring the symbol of our inheritance into Your kingdom and sandals to walk the narrow road that leads to life and life more abundant and freer. Father, I pray for those who toil and spin laboring in vain not ever coming to the knowledge of the truth that is not buy works but by grace we are saved so we may not boast. Forgive them Father they know not what they are doing. Please remove the hearts of stone and bless them with hearts of flesh so they too may praise You always. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Matthew 7:3-5, Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 15
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