Monday, February 15th Reading - Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 9:9-13

I love these two stories. In Luke chapter 5, I'm reminded of my relationship with God. As Jesus tells Peter (a professional fisherman) to put out into deep water and let down the nets, Peter faces a dilemma. Jesus is not a professional fisherman, Peter is. Peter has already been out fishing all night and didn't catch a thing. He's tired, he wants to go home and sleep, but Jesus (his mentor) tells him to do something. To Peter, Jesus' request doesn't make sense and he doesn't really want to do what Jesus says. But, since it's Jesus, he relents. Upon obeying Jesus, they catch so many fish that their nets are about to break and it takes two boats to haul the catch in. Amazed once again and reminded of who he is with, Peter bows and worships Jesus and embarrassingly confesses that he is sinful. Jesus simply tells Peter not to be afraid, and gives him a new assignment, fishing for men.

How many times have I not understood why I was in the situation I was in, yet feeling compelled or guided by God went on with things only to see Him do amazing things. It's embarrassing to have to learn this lesson over and over, but I guess we sometimes get comfortable with Jesus and forget just who He is.

In Matthew 9, Jesus meets a man named Matthew who is a tax collector - someone who was hated by Jewish people of that culture - a thief, a crook, a jerk. And Jesus tells this "sinner" to follow Him, and without having to twist his arm, he does. Matthew gets up, stops working, and is somehow compelled to follow this Jesus. Maybe because few people wanted to spend time with Matthew? Then it tells us that Jesus is sitting in Matthews house and a bunch of other tax collectors and "sinners" drop by to hang out. Jesus, holy, perfect, pure Jesus is hanging out with outcasts and it appears that He is perfectly comfortable. Perhaps just as amazing is that so are they. This doesn't mean that Jesus changed His style or His demeanor, it simply shows how wonderfully gracious Jesus always was. Unfortunately things were going well until the religious people show up. They just can't understand why Jesus is hanging out with sinners. So He reminds them, and in the process, reminds us, that this is why He came. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Then He continues by telling them to learn what this means - "I desire mercy, not sacrifice."

God isn't interested in our religious checklists, He is interested in our love for others, our extension of His grace which extends His great love into this desperate world. May we continue to be challenged and admonished by Jesus' example. May we finally get it and live as He tells us to.

God please help us, please help me, to love as you love.