Still Under the Doctor's Care

S - “Then Jesus went again to walk alongside the lake. Again a crowd came to him, and he taught them. Strolling along, he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, at his work collecting taxes. Jesus said, “Come along with me.” He came. Later Jesus and his disciples were at home having supper with a collection of disreputable guests. Unlikely as it seems, more than a few of them had become followers. The religion scholars and Pharisees saw him keeping this kind of company and lit into his disciples: “What kind of example is this, acting cozy with the riffraff?” Jesus, overhearing, shot back, “Who needs a doctor: the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually-fit.”” Message 2:13-17

O - The tax collectors and their friends or associates were despised by the religion and the religious. They were measured, judged and rejected by those who claimed the Scriptures and claimed to represent the God presented in them.  Jesus lives out loud the reality and intent the Scriptures record. He was sent by God to clarify his person, purpose and message. He has no interest in religious conversions or in religion period. He never called a person to a cause … only to himself. Follow me is the call and to this very day all who will follow him are welcome.

A -  Religion is always telling people what they should for God. Jesus calls us to live in and with God; not to do for him but only with him. He doesn't want people to be an example for God but to be those who live in God. To put it in religious terminology - don't be "holy" for God but to him. Don't think of yourself as spiritually superior or complete but rather as dependent on God for every day and everything (John 5:19). All these years later I still need and want the doctor named Jesus. I don't want to work for him but with him; don't want to live to him but in him; don't want to be kingdom minded for him but to him. I accept that I'm never called to be an example for him but an example of one who is under his ongoing care.

P - Lord who loves and wants all,

All these years later I am in no less need of you. Without your direct and ongoing intervention there is no lasting hope for me or for my world. I am so grateful that we didn't "pray you down" to earth and earthlings … you came to us on your own, sent by your Father. I do love you back and accept your one consistent instruct and one consistent command. Judge no one. Love all unconditionally.

Yes, in Jesus and in his name,

Steve