“When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:11-13
Are you careful who you eat with? We are probably careful not to be seen in public sharing a meal with a person who happens to have their photograph on a wanted poster down at the Post Office. There are some people that I try to avoid at mealtime because they chew with their mouths open and make irritating noises that attract attention from nearby diners.
Jesus is in the business of seeking the lost and bringing them the gift of life that can only be found in Him. He would not hesitate to sit at a table across from a person who would chew their food with their mouths wide open, if they needed to hear the message of salvation. Take a close look at some of the kids who attend a Christian school in Les Cayes, would you consider sharing a meal with any of them? Statistics in Haiti lead us to believe that more than half of these children come from homes where vodou is still being practiced. All of the children in this school and all the 265 schools in Haiti where there are Trinity HOPE feeding programs are being fed a meal and are given the news of a loving Savior, Jesus Christ who has prepared a place for each of them in Heaven. The hymn ‘The Savior calls; let every ear’ was written by Anne Steele in 1760 and its message will close this message.
“The Savior calls; let every ear attend the heavenly sound. Ye doubting souls, dismiss your fear; hope smiles reviving round. For every thirsty, longing heart here streams of bounty flow and life and health and bliss impart to banish mortal woe. Here springs of sacred pleasures rise to ease your every pain; immortal fountain, full supplies! Nor shall you thirst in vain. Ye sinners, come, 'tis Mercy's voice; the gracious call obey; mercy invites to heavenly joys, and can you yet delay? Dear Savior, draw reluctant hearts; to Thee let sinners fly and take the bliss Thy love imparts and drink and never die.”
Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you,
Jay