Psalm 30, 32; Dan. 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15; Luke 5:27-39
Daniel was so faithful to both the Lord and to this pagan king that the king stayed up all night worrying and hoping that God would save Daniel from the judgment this king had decreed against him. Daniel didn’t file a lawsuit or complain about the injustice of the matter, he lived as an example of a faithful man. He served both God and the king well and won the admiration of the king for his service and witnessed to his God. In his faithfulness to God he was persecuted and yet trusted God to protect him and He did! He valued his relationship with God more than his life and was willing to risk his life for his faith. The king couldn’t go back on his word but once Daniel lived, those who tricked him paid the ultimate price for their deception. In the end, this king also recognized the greatness of Daniel’s God, even if he wasn’t converted to being a follower.
Jesus lived a scandalous life as measured by religious people. He called the disciples and they had to be puzzled by suddenly finding themselves at the home of a tax collector, surrounded by tax collectors and other sinners. The Pharisees seize the opportunity to question the situation but notice who they approach, the disciples, not Jesus himself. “Why does your master…” Jesus casts His ministry in terms of being sent to those who need a physician and they would certainly not see themselves in that light but they were indeed in need of Him. It is interesting that their next tactic is to engage Jesus in contrasting His ministry and John’s, whom they have determined not to follow or believe anyway. Jesus’ response is to say that He is the fulfillment of the promise but there will be a time when He will be gone, here already pointing ahead to his death. The opposition begins to sharpen its claws.
How do we welcome strangers into our churches? We are to be hospitable to those who are seeking to know the Lord. We don’t compromise who we are and the central truths of our faith but we welcome visitors as those whom the Lord has sent to us, whoever they are and if they are brothers and sisters in the Lord then we welcome them as family in our midst. Jesus always welcomed those who honestly sought Him and engaged those who dishonestly sought Him in dialogue to awaken them to their sinful attitudes. John affirms those who welcomed those who had been sent to them and condemns the man who has attempted to close off the fellowship to outsiders. Let us commit ourselves always to being open hearted and willing to welcome new people, whoever they may be.
O measureless might! Ineffable love!
While angels delight to worship Thee above,
The humbler creation, though feeble their lays,
With true adoration shall all sing Thy praise.
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