Devotion for Saturday, October 18, 2025

“When the scribes of the Pharisees saw that He was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they said to His disciples, “Why is He eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?” (Mark 2:16-17)

In this world, you are known by whom you gather with.  It is as if their guilt becomes your guilt.  When we are in Christ, we understand that every gathering of humans – with the exception of Christ – are sinners who are meeting together.  What we should think is that they too may come to Christ and be forever changed by His amazing grace.

Lord, You know how there are certain places I ought not go, for I would become entangled in sin. There are others whose gatherings, to which I may go, will cause the world to judge me.  You do not judge in that way.  You have shown that You have come for all people to have the opportunity to come into salvation.  Lead me in the right direction and help me to listen to You and not the world.  Guide me into the depth of the faith You have given me.

Lord Jesus, I need Your help and guidance.  I do not know what is safe and what is dangerous.  Lead me so that I am always looking to You, being guided by what You know will happen.  Help me to be bold and be willing to speak truth amongst the wicked but remain faithful to You for the sake of all others who also need to hear of You grace and mercy.  Lead me, Lord, to go where You will send me.  Amen.