But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Matthew 9:13
The Lord was very thorough with His instructions for building the Temple. He was equally devoted in His directions to the children of Israel concerning proper worship. The sacrifices were precise; His commandments very plainly given. That is why the verse today is so important.
As significant as the manner of worship is, God's heart has always been about mercy. Yes, He is a just God. Yes, sin requires a penalty that cannot be manipulated. But, Matthew 9:13 explains that empty sacrifices and unrepentant service means nothing to the Lord. What pleases Him is a broken and contrite spirit.
When the Bible says that He came to call sinners to repentance, to whom do you think the Scriptures are referring? For the righteous need no repentance, right? But, who is righteous? Well, that's just it, girls. There is none righteous, no, not one: Romans 3:10. So, if we are all sinners, He came for every last one of us.
The next time we are anxious to see the fiery judgment upon another, remember: Jesus came to save sinners---all sinners. And, that, dear girls, includes you and me.
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 24
Matthew 9
It is always good to be reminded that just because we are Christians doesn't mean we are not sinners.
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