"When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” (Matthew 9:12-13)

The context of these words were prompted when Jesus passed by the office of Matthew, a tax collector. The occupation of Matthew represented a form of oppression to the Jews. However, Jesus realizing the value of one soul, and potential of an honest heart called Matthew to follow him.

Thus, we find our Lord feasting at Matthew’s house, with several of Matthew’s companions- all of them scoundrels. Jesus did eat and drink with those of notoriously bad character. This conduct of our Lord was scandalous to the religious people of the day. Would one who follows Jesus’ example receive a similar reaction by the religious elite of our times?

The Pharisees were offended even though curiously drawn to Jesus. They were often galled by his “bad conduct”. Though he was a great teacher, he still had broken many of their sacred traditions. Thus, they complained about Jesus and his disciples.

The first of two lessons are taught by Jesus in verse 12. The Lord compared himself to a healing physician. The disease is sin. Like any good doctor, the Lord sought to bring a cure. He does not associate with such religious misfits for the carnal pleasure, but for the purpose of healing. The Pharisees, who deemed themselves righteous, saw no need for a cure.

Then in verse 13 he adds these words: But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” “Mercy” is an expression of God's willingness to appease his wrath upon the sinner. The Lord instructs the Pharisees emulate his character. God does not accept our formal observances when mercy is excluded. Because God has so pitied us, we should also pity others who also need the help of this great healer.

By inviting the Lord to his house Matthew went from despised and hated to the friend of the greatest of all companions -the Savior of the world. If Jesus passed by today would you invite him to your house? Are you willing to obey the call of Christ and be healed?

By George Slover

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15)

The author of Hebrews has established his major premise. Now at the close of the letter he offers some final words of encouragement.  Among them are the words recorded in the verse above.

Every sacrifice offered to God is only acceptable through Jesus Christ. Those who accept Christ’s atonement for sin, are a holy priesthood able to offer spiritual sacrifices “acceptable to God through Jesus Christ”. (1 Peter 2:5) The blood of Christ is sufficient to purge the conscience from dead works to serve the living God. (Hebrews 9:14) What an undeserved honor!

We bring our offerings of praise to God because of his perfect glory and power. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) We come to the Lord with song because the Lord is God. (Psalm 100:2,3)  And we bless God for his goodness and benevolence. “What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 116:12,13)

The most visible way to honor God is by the fruit of our lips. Such praise must spring from a heart full of gratitude. We must never allow our worship to become meaningless repetition. It must bring us closer to God and lift our hearts to heavenly things.

While there may be a prescribed time for communion (Acts 20:7), there is no specific time for praise. “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God. (Hebrews 13:15) Praise is not an occasional exercise, but an abiding attitude of our heart. We must cultivate a thankful and praise full spirit.

With such sacrifices God's well pleased. He graciously accepts our feeble attempts to honor him, and by them he is glorified.

By George Slover

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:6)

The result of following the command above is stated in verse seven: “the peace of God… will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. What components in the command will assure the tranquil life God promises here?

Paul is certainly not encouraging laziness or the totally carefree life. Diligence to both our physical as well as spiritual life are necessary to our success. In caring for our daily needs God says: “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat”. (2 Thessalonians 3:10) In building spiritual character we are instructed to “give all diligence”. (2 Peter 1:5) However, there is a kind of anxious care that robs us of our spiritual energy.  

So after all has been done on our part we are exhorted in all things to “pray”. “Prayer” is the first of three steps commanded here.  When used in the same context with words like “supplication” and “thanksgiving”, “prayer” may refer to the worshipful aspect of this triplet.  It seems to refer to a reverent, submissive frame of mind. It acknowledges that God's presence is our deepest joy, and extolling him is our greatest delight.  When our relationship with God means everything to us; it is difficult for the worldly cares to creep in.

And “supplication” implies a request. Certainly God covets our petitions. Here we are acknowledging our total dependence on him.  This is where we give to him our special petitions, and cast our cares on him. When such petitions are tempered by a prayerful, submissive state of mind, our cares are transformed from worldly aspirations to much more noble objects such as seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is how the peace of God guards our hearts.

When we are aware of what God has done for us; what he is doing for us; and what he will do for us, we cannot help but be thankful. We are encouraged to give thanks to God continually. When we are focusing on our blessings it is difficult to be distracted by anxious care. This is the perfect remedy for our anxiety.

The peace which God supplies is not merely a freedom from external troubles, but stems from a deep-seated harmony with God. God promises to guard our hearts through “prayer” which rests everything on him; through “supplication” which acknowledges our dependence on him; and by “thanksgiving” which recognizes the blessings from him.

By George Slover

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

It was not from Isaiah that the Jews mistakenly expected the Messiah to be a mighty temporal prince with armies that would break the yoke of Roman oppression.  From Jesse's stem a shoot will sprout forth and a green branch burst forth from its roots.

The very idea of a sucker springing from a hewn stump seems inconsistent with the idea of a mighty Messiah. At the time of Isaiah's work powerful empires such as Assyria and Babylon ruled the world. It would seem inconceivable that the Savior could arise from the lowly state of David's household.

During the time of another world power, the Roman Empire, at a time chosen by God,   when David's house was reduced to its lowest state, a virgin, a poor peasant girl, gave birth to a child who would be the savior of the world.

This savior was born into a poor family, born in a manger in the village of Bethlehem. Herod would have killed the child if he have been allowed.  After a  sojourn in Egypt, his parents made their home in lowly Nazareth. John records,  “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)

This sucker grew and began to receive attention.  Luke records:  “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. (Luke 2:52)  They marveled at his signs and wonders, and even his very words.  They were astonished at his wisdom and understanding.

Ultimately, the branch of Jesse became a wise teacher, a gracious healer, a suffering servant, and the means of victory over sin and death. The despised tree of David became a healer of nations whose fruit was for the redemption of a world in dead in sin.

Is he your savior?  He can be, if you will obey him.  (Hebrews 5:8,9)

By George Slover
 

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. (Colossians 3:14)

The people of God or not only expected to cease from evil (“put off the old man”), but to put on the new as God's elect, with a heart of kindness, compassion, and humility.  But, then Paul adds, above all “put on love”.

First, Paul would have us to recognize the very power of love. It is the fountain of every Christian virtue (1 Corinthians 13:1-10). It is the fulfillment of the law of Christ (Galatians 5:14). This is Christ-like love. The rude, unforgiving, self- asserting, fault-finding spirit cannot coexist with this Christ-like love.

Second, there is the “bond of love”. Love is the mark of Christ’s disciples. The Judeo- Gnostics of Colossae sought perfection in knowledge. The apostle stated such perfection is found in love. It is love that binds believers together and looks to the final perfection in God.

In the surrounding context Paul lists the character traits of God’s elect.  Mercy, kindness, humility and the spirit of forgiveness are woven together like a garment. God expects his children to put on the coat! Love is the element that holds the garment together.

Thus, the third factor of love is perfection.  It is the key element of each of these characteristics. Without love deeds of mercy can be ostentatious, humility can be prideful, and forgiveness a façade.

Above all love is supreme! It stems from the very nature of God himself and brings the whole Christian life in harmony.

By George Slover