“But when he heard this, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners” (Matthew 9:12-13).
We begin with the need for sacrifice. Jesus gave Himself for us. But the Lord desires that we come to the place where we know that we are not getting what we deserve but are living by the grace He gives, which we do not deserve. From there, rather than thinking that we are being let off the hook, we see that it is the mercy of pure love that is behind all that our Lord is doing. In simple words, we are invited into the love relationship of Trinity.
Lord, I still want to sit in the driver’s seat. I want to offer You a sacrifice rather than give in to the truth that You alone are God. I give You lip-service, but not my submission. But You already know this. What can I repent and confess that You did not know before I was born. Continue to lead me to the place where I am merciful, kind, and abiding in Your steadfast love. Open my eyes to see my ongoing need.
Great Physician and lover of my soul, bring me to the place of mercy that I may be guided in Your goodness to become merciful as You are merciful. Thank You for the sacrifice that frees us all to be able to do this. In the power of Your Spirit, may I continue to shed the old Adam and put You on, Lord Jesus. Guide me today to be more conformed to Your will through all that I do. Amen.
