January 5, 2012 (Genesis 12-14; Luke 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:32 NLT
Observation: The Scribes and Pharisees wrapped their sin in respectability. They made themselves appear good by publicly doing good deeds and pointing out the sins of others. They could not stand the fact that Jesus was spending time with such low lifes as tax collectors and diseased people. Not only spending time with them, but healing them and having dinner with them! Jesus plainly tells them, I did not come to call people who are righteous in their own mind, I came to call those who know they are sinners and need to repent.
Application: Often, in fact most of the time, people that have been around religion most of their lives are the hardest to reach. They have an unhealthy level of self-confidence just like the Scribes and Pharisees did. Their faith is based on the many acts of service they perform, or the number of years they’ve attended church, rather than the undeserved and unmerited grace that Christ provides through His sacrifice and resurrection. In a way, their good deeds and dedication to church have become their idol. Its very important for us to realize and understand the need we have for a Savior, and never become so boastful and proud as to act as if we’ve already attained the promise that has been reserved for those that have endured until the end.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for Your grace and mercy that You have provided in Your Son Jesus. You sent Him to call people just like me to repentance. By Your Spirit, you revealed unto me, my need for a Savior. Through Christ I accept the grace and mercy You’ve given. Help me to never become blind to my need or place my faith in anything other than You. I pray for any idol in my life to be torn down and destroyed. For You are Lord of my life, and King of my soul, in Jesus name, Amen!