Lenten Lessons--Day 4

Scriptures for today: Isaiah 58:9-14; Luke 5:27-32

How good is good enough for God? The simple answer is that NONE of us will ever be able to be good enough on our own. The problem is that too many people feel that they are "good" people and that is all God requires. when those people become involved in a congregational setting, they often look down on people who are not as "good" as they are. What a joke! None of us is good, only God is good and when we take the time to really think that through it should change us. In Jesus' day the Pharisees and teachers of the law didn't "get it." When Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors they were offended.

In reality, it isn't just the needy and the oppressed, the lost and the forgotten that need to submit to God. We ALL need that submission. When it comes to salvation none of us is self-sufficient. We all need God. We can't be what God wants us to be until we realize this. And when we finally realize this, we will stop blocking our doors(either intentionally or unintentionally) to those who need God.

As we journey through Lent, let us all become as welcoming as Jesus was (and is!)