January 9: “Make an Appointment with Dr. Jesus”

5 Minute Read + Scripture readings

Today’s Bible Reading:

Genesis 9-10
Matthew 9
Ezra 9
Acts 9

Today’s Bible Verse(s):

“Now when he heard this, he said, ‘It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.'”
‭‭Matthew 9:12-13 ‭(CSB‬‬)

Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):

Do you think that you are a good person? If you answer like most people I have asked that question to, you’ll say, “Yes.” Most people think they are good people.

Yet, if we are honest with ourselves and the Lord, we would have to admit that we break God’s laws every day. We disobey what He has commanded in His Word.

But, that’s where some people get stuck. Some people come to feel the weight of their sinfulness and then waste a lot of time groveling in guilt. They develop a disdainful view of themselves and assume that the Lord feels the same way about them.

That mindset is flawed and incomplete. It allows sin to be the most powerful force. It puts the weight of responsibility upon the sinner for being pleasing in God’s eyes. It relegates God to being a helpless spectator that cannot remedy our sin and guilt problem.

That’s where today’s verses come to the rescue. The Gospel is Good News! Jesus didn’t come to hang out with people who think they are good. He came to spend time with and befriend those who know they are sinful. Why? Because if we realize our sinfulness, we are prepared to receive His Gospel remedy!

Friend, God loves you just the way you are but He loves you too much to keep you as you are.

So, today, be honest with yourself about your sinful propensities. But allow that knowledge to drive you to the cross. Let it motivate you to set up a prayer appointment with Dr. Jesus who can forgive and cleanse you. He didn’t come to fix people who think they are well. He came to heal people like you and me who are honest about our sin struggles and want to be made whole.

* * * * * * * * * *

Lord Jesus, as I reflect on the Gospel, I realize just how wonderful it is. It causes me to see how sinful I am but it also reveals how wonderful and gracious You are. As I spend time with You, confessing and forsaking my sins, You cleanse me and make me whole. I pray that I would come to understand the Gospel more clearly and realize that it isn’t simply important to someone who is getting saved – it is a vital part of every single day of my life. Amen.