Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick: I have come to call not the righteous, but sinners. (v. 17)
MERCY FOR ALL
Do I need the great physician?
It is easy to think: I am pretty good, I don’t do bad things as some people do – steal, rob, rape, murder, etc. On the other hand, do I always think good thoughts about my neighbor, do I envy others because they have things I don’t have and I would like to have – clothes, cars, wealth, material stuff?
Do I ever get angry, say harsh words and thereby hurt people, even the ones I love most? Do I ever listen to rumors, then maybe even pass them on and hurt someone?
Do I get so wrapped up in myself, my wants, my good life, that I don’t have time or thoughts for anything else? Many times that is exactly what happens. Let me be honest. Sinning is sinning. It is not a matter of degree.
"If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared" says Psalm 130, verses 3-4.
These are comforting words. I need mercy and forgiveness as much as the thief, the robber, the abuser, the murderer. Yes, I do need the Great Physician. I pray for forgiveness.
"Restore in us, O God, the splendor of your love; renew your image in our hearts, and all our sins remove." (ELW 328)
Restore me, O God, and make me a disciple of yours in the name of your dear son, Jesus Christ.
Jette Mortensen
