Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Good morning on this much cooler morning. If you listen to Christian radio, you have probably heard the song by the great band, Casting Crowns. The temptation is to add a little 'and me' to the lyric, but we do not get a free pass. Cleansed by the blood of the Lamb we are in Christ, but when He found us we were yet sinners no better than anyone else in the world. Years later, as a maturing Christian we may find our actions do not always fit the mold of the perfect Christian. We look at the model, our Lord Jesus, and find that we are miles short of the standard. An older Christian might not recall the last time his hands reached out to sin, but his mind remains capable in every unguarded moment. You and I may come peacefully to the death bed years from now, and yet hear that last little doubt as a tiny whisper, "You're not good enough..."

A pagan sinner lost in the world is better off than those who have heard the good news of the Son and refused Him entry into their heart. However, the friend of sinners does not easily give up on anyone, no matter how sinful or depraved his behavior. Many of us ignored the conviction of the Holy Spirit for years before surrendering to Jesus Christ. We found a friend in Jesus. A friend who softly knocked on the door of our hearts for as long as it took to get a final answer. Imagine a friend standing outside your door in driving rain, oppressive heat, and any other condition imaginable to deliver a message that he just knows is the best for you. The friend never bangs on the door at night, doesn't try to follow an invited guest in, but just stands there patiently hoping to be let in at your invitation. We have treated that friend rather badly at times in the past. However, when finally the conditions are just right inside the house, you let that friend in. Oh, the joy of your meeting! We imagine harsh words from the long wait and dreadful conditions endured outside, but nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this friend invites his sovereign Father to come dine too. Suddenly, your house is not worthy, gulp, panic threatens, but Jesus calms the storm. No, He has made the home worthy through a sacrifice made long ago. You need no longer tremble before the Lord. What a friend we have in Jesus!

Christ is risen!
Bucky