Supping with "Sinners"

I recently had the opportunity to serve on a Sunday morning.  Not at church, but elsewhere.  With people who would be rejected or judged by the majority of conservative Christians.  I had a blast.  I was not passively listening to someone tell me how to live my life, I was actively following the command of Christ to “love as I have loved.”  Loving can be difficult at times, but other times it flows naturally and freely.  This was one of those free times.  Laughter and pleasure in the company of others.  I found myself thinking that this was the place where God wanted me to be on a Sunday morning; supping with the “sinners.”

It brought me back to the story about Jesus choosing to have dinner with those who were disregarded by the religious leaders of the time.  Why did He want to be with them?  It wasn’t because they needed Him more than the religious leaders.  If anyone needed to know God’s grace and love, it was the Pharisees.  Jesus spent his time with the “sinners” because he knew a good thing when He saw it.  Those who are open about who they are, and who still seek to become more like Christ are the ones who will be actively sought after by the Lover of their Souls.

Part of my journey has been to learn that Jesus will wrap His arms around me, comfort me, and be an active presence in my life as I open up more to others.  Living life is not a solitary exercise, but a struggle to be undertaken in community with others.  It is comforting to be with others who are also willing to admit that they are struggling too.  I love it when I feel compelled to share my problems with others and they reciprocate with similar struggles.  I’m not happy that they are also struggling; I am happy that we have made a connection point, a place to share and be safe with each other and know that we won’t be judged.

Something else I am learning is that I thrive on being helpful and useful to other people.  Now that I am unemployed, it could very well free up my time for more impulsive times of usefulness.  Helping at a moment’s notice is thrilling, but only when I am not burnt out or bogged down with other responsibilities.  I have lived a very structured, scheduled life for six years, and it could be fun to have the freedom in a day to go and do whatever I am led to do without worrying about the time.  Thinking about Jesus’ time in ministry, it appears that the most amazing and wonderful moments occurred when He just followed the prompts of His Father and acted accordingly.  The Sermon on the Mount wasn’t a scheduled and publicized event.  No flyers were passed out, it just happened.  Or how about the time when Martha got mad at Mary?  Jesus must have spent a lot of time relaxing at their home for Mary to feel comfortable hanging out with the guys and for Martha to get all grouchy about it.

Listening to the still, small voice and acting upon its promptings; releasing myself from religious obligation to be able to better serve others; finding joy and peace in the middle of my mental storm.  These are all things that He is teaching me through this season in my life.  “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.  I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”  (Mark 2:17)  Father, I am one of the sinners.  Thank you for calling me.  As the Great Physician, continue to heal me and use me to help heal others.  Your love for me is overwhelming.  Please continue in Your faithfulness to show me Your way and lead me to walk on Your paths.