The Tax Collectors Friend and...

April 13, 2010

Thank God for the Great Encouragement Christ Gave to Poor Sinners to Come to Him

I bless You that Jesus Christ did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (such as myself) to repentance, Matthew 9:13(NASB) and had authority on earth to forgive sins; Matthew 9:6(NASB) that He came to save His people from their sins, Matthew 1:21(NASB) and is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; John 1:29(NASB) and that He is (to His honor, not to His reproach) a friend to tax collectors and sinners. Matthew 11:19(NASB)
I thank You for the gracious invitation He gave to those who are weary and heavy-laden to come to Him for rest: Matthew 11:28(NASB) And for the assurance He has given, that whoever comes to Him, He will certainly not cast out. John 6:37(NASB)
That He made a gracious offer, that if anyone is thirsty they might come to Him and drink. John 7:37(NASB)

I bless You that Jesus Christ did not come to call the righteous, but sinners (such as myself) to repentance, Matthew 9:13(NASB); and that He is (to His honor, not to His reproach) a friend to tax collectors and sinners. Matthew 11:19(NASB)
Such great encouragement to know that Jesus is a friend to not only the tax collector but also to the mother that loses patience with her children and screams. He is near to the wife that finds it difficult to have a kind relationship with her husband. He is a friend to sinners that can't seem to trust. What grace, what peace to know that Jesus didn't come looking for perfect people, but came specifically looking for lost, wretched and despairing people. What comfort to know that I qualify!
In a world where everything is based on externals, it is good to know that the Lord of all doesn't care one cent how proper, pleasant or perfect I may appear. But rather He desires that I come to him fully knowing exactly what I am. And friend if there is one thing I know it is that.
God is good. He's ways are so much higher and better than our ways, who can understand them?
He remembers our sin no more and forgets all our iniquities.
His love is from everlasting to everlasting and He is a friend to sinners!
Today do you need to be reminded of these simple truths?
Well I do! They are refreshing and convicting. They bring me back to that special place when I first believed... at his feet in repentance.
Blessings friends,
Patsy
Taken from Matthew Henry's Prayer Method
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