Monday, February 10, 2014
Luke 5:32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
CHIEF OF SINNERS THOUGH I BE -- CHRIST CALLS FOR ME
Talking about the dangers of sin has become quite a "politically incorrect" topic these days. It is definitely easier to avoid the topic altogether -- even though the law of God continually pricks the hearts of all people. Instead of confronting the sad reality of sin, it's much easier and much more comfortable to act like nothing is wrong. Instead of confessing our sins and accepting full responsibly, the world entices us to look at sin as just growing and expressing ourselves, learning the hard way, or exercising our freedom as individuals. Whatever form it takes, any avoidance of sin is really just an attempt to excuse our responsibility before God.
As Paul himself confessed, so also each of us should: that as an individual, I am the chief of sinners. Even though sin is not desirable in any setting, we'll see this week that God has done wonderful things for sinners. Today we focus on how Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. Therefore, if you are a sinner, Jesus calls for you. He didn't come to earth to wine and dine with the best and brightest of society. Furthermore, Jesus says that if someone believes that they're righteous on their own, His call won't mean much to them.
This means that we don't have to try and hide from our sin. When we see it, we should confess it, knowing with hope and confidence that Jesus is the One who has called us to repentance. This doesn't mean that we desire sin or seek it out. God's Word clearly tells us that we shouldn't sin just so that His grace comes into our lives by means of His forgiveness (Romans 6:1-2). What Jesus gives us is a solution for sin. Forgiveness is not meant to be a temporary patch that we use now and then when we want an excuse to sin. Forgiveness is a solution. It is meant to lead us away from sin, not keep us secure in sin. Because Christ calls us to repentance, we can openly bring all our cares, troubles, worries, and failures to Him and He will take them away. He calls you to this. Listen to His call!
