Dec 06

The matter of friendship is far more important than most people realize. It was one of the issues that was raised against Jesus all through his ministry, even up to the day of his death.

Jesus frequently associated with people of whom society did not approve. He was one of whom they said, "Here is a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (Mt. 11:19).

Why would Jesus deliberately associate with such people? Because, as he himself explained, he did not come to call the righteous but the sinners (Mt. 9:13).

If one would rescue those who are in darkness and doomed to remain in darkness for eternity, then one must go where these people of darkness live. Jesus was not like the lad who was found searching the ground underneath a light pole for a lost coin, and was asked by an onlooker where abouts he had lost the coin. The child pointed down the street, into the darkness between the lamp posts, and said, "Somewhere down there." When the surprised passerby asked why he was looking for the coin here, then, the boy replied, "because the light is much better here."

No, if someone really wants to find the lost and rescue the lost, that person will go to where the lost are. He will even let others call him friend of those who dwell in darkness.

Scripture for today: Matthew 9:9-13
Thought for today: Jesus is a friend to sinners, including me.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to find me where I lived in darkness and shining your light there in my heart.

DEC 06