THE NEED FOR A DOCTOR

WHO NEEDS A DOCTOR

Jesus was continuously criticized for his actions especially in relationship with sinners.  In Mark 2, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus and asked him to follow Him. Without hesitation Levi followed.    

As Jesus sat and ate with him, many publicans and sinners also sat with Jesus and His disciples.  When the Pharisees saw Him eating with publicans and sinners they were astonished and questioned the disciples.  Here's how Jesus answered in verse 17.

Mark 2:17 (KJV) When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

The analogy used signifying that those who are healthy does not need a doctor, but sick people do. In like manner the spiritually-fit, "holier than thou", pharisees does not need saving but those who are sin-sick.

Just as a doctor sees a possible cure in a sick patient, Jesus sees the sinners "good", and wants to give them the opportunity to repent and get well so they can be made whole again.

The truth of the matter is - No one is beyond the reach of God's Love.  He wants the sin-sick soul.  He does not discriminate or pick favorites. 

They must be just willing to follow as Levi and open up their hearts to Him.

He calls all and invites all to be a part of His redemptive and restorative plan.  He has a soft spot for the broken.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A BRUISED REED AND A SMOKING FLAX

How does the scripture speak to you? 

Isaiah 42: 3-4 (KJV)

A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth.He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.

This was fulfilled when Jesus healed the man with the withered hand- (Read the story in Matthew 12) Reflect on verse 20 for your comfort and peace:

Matthew 12:20 (KJV)

A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.

As you read the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah and review the story of its fulfillment let's discuss the following:  

Are you a bruised reed or a smoking flax?

What does that mean to you?

How are you bruised?

What's choking your flax?

How do you think Jesus feels about you?

Do you know someone you can give hope of this scripture today?

Jesus is compassionate about His commitment to the broken, crushed, abandoned and desolate.  Jesus didn't come for the perfect reeds, neither did He came for those whose wicks were burning bright. He came looking for those who knew of their need for him and those who light were smoking and going out.  

Today I encourage you not to worry about the sneer of the Pharisees and how they may categorize you.  Jesus is not going to extinguish your light.  Don't quit - Verse 4 gives hope to the discouraged.  Jesus did not give up, but He completed the task that he was sent out to do.  He will bind up your brokenness and give you a fresh supply of oil so you can have your light burning bright again.  

Remember, Jesus came for those who were afflicted, worn out, distressed and rejected.  That does not mean you will not be battered or bruised along the journey, but you will not be broken when you are weak nor will your light go out when your wick is smoking.  Broken by sorrow or cast down by others?  There is hope. God is able to redeem you even when everyone has given up on you.  Turn your eyes upon Him, and look full in His wonderful face. Through His eyes only will you see the plans He has for you.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel