Names of God: Through Thanksgiving & ChristmasSample

Jesus calls Matthew the tax collector to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised by the Jewish people because they worked for the Romans. They were considered outcasts. But Jesus sought him, loved him, and called him to be a disciple. Matthew invited Jesus to dine with many tax collectors and sinners. As a result of His great love, compassion, and willingness to meet them where they were, they followed Him. Pharisees objected to Jesus keeping company with sinners. Jesus’ response was simple: since He is the Healer of the soul, He must connect with those who are sick with sin.

Will you reach outside of your comfort zone to the lost, the broken, the despised and to outcasts so that they may know Christ? Or will you hesitate, worried about how it may appear? Do you surround yourself in a cocoon of believers, oblivious to the dying and lost world around you? Do you worry unnecessarily about what other Christians will say about you if they see you in certain places with certain people?

Father God, You are the sovereign God who uses Your people, in spite of their flaws and insecurities, to spread Your message of salvation. I thank You so much that Your Son associated and fellowshipped with sinners so that we may know You. Lord, never let me forget from what and where You have rescued me. Forgive me, Lord, when I allow fear and judgment of man or desire for approval to keep me from doing what You have called all believers to do: preach the gospel to the lost. Overflow me with the Holy Spirit to boldly share Your message with love, without fear or hesitation. In Jesus' name. Amen.