Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer based on Psalm 119:78-80,

Lord, I have come to meditate on Your precepts.
I worship You, and I long to understand Your statutes.
May I wholeheartedly follow your decrees,
that I may not be put to shame. Amen.

Briefly prepare your heart in silence, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your awareness to the voice of God, coming to you through His Word.

Reading

Matthew 9:9-13 

There are two words of command in this short passage.

To Matthew, a despised tax collector, Jesus gave the command, “Follow Me“. This is a call that you have also received and to which you have already responded. If that were not so, you would not be reading this. Our whole year of focusing on everything Jesus commanded us is born of the fact that we are committed to following Jesus.

The calling of Matthew is a timely reminder that our discipleship is not a legalistic exercise. It is a response to Jesus, who has called us into a close relationship with Himself. In this relationship, we draw close to Him, we observe His thoughts, words and actions as closely as we can, and then we strive to live like Him in the world, in the power of His Spirit.

That’s where the second command in this passage becomes relevant. Addressing the Pharisees’ criticism of His decision to spend time in table fellowship with “tax collectors and sinners”, Jesus says:

“(G)o and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” (v.13)

In sharing table fellowship with this particular group of social and religious outcasts, Jesus was demonstrating God’s mercy. He wanted the Pharisees of His day to understand that mercy is more important than outward religious observance. He wants us to get it too. So He commands us to go and learn what it means to prioritise mercy over outward religion.

“Mercy” is God’s undeserved kindness and compassion. We see it displayed throughout Jesus’ ministry in the way He treated people. Jesus did not turn away from or reject those who were outcasts from society – those who were trapped in sin, overwhelmed with grief, diseased, distressed or defeated. Jesus reached out to those who needed God, and He drew closest to those who needed Him the most.

In Micah 6:8, the prophet reminds God’s people that He requires them “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” It’s clear that the Lord expects us to reflect His merciful nature in our interactions with others.

To sum it up: Disciples follow Jesus in close fellowship, and are so affected by His mercy and compassion towards us that we treat others with the same undeserved kindness, compassion and care, regardless of who they are!

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn these declarations over in your mind. Keep them in mind throughout the day and live in step with Your King, Jesus.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ: 

• I will stay close to Him and mindful of His presence throughout the day.
• I will remember His mercy towards me.
• I will be merciful to others because He has been merciful to me.

Lord, please fill me with Your Spirit of compassion, kindness and mercy . Amen.