daily beauty

July 1, 2005

Follow Me Mt 9:9-13

As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" He heard this and said, "Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners."
Follow me... Jesus has a simple message. It was answered by Matthew without hesitation. God wants mercy not sacrifice from us. This is a thought that I will carry with me for the day...mercy not sacrifice. Sometimes it is easier to make sacrifices than to give totally from the heart with mercy. Mercy requires a part of the self to be given up.