December 15, 2022 -- Proverbs 15:3,9 & Luke 15:1-2 -- Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: Sinners reclaimed

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
   keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
   but he loves him who pursues righteousness.
Proverbs 15:3,9 ESV

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Luke 15:1-2 ESV

The three parables in Luke end with what might be one of the most familiar and powerful of all of Jesus’ parables. The story of the Prodigal Son is much loved. The truth of the Proverbs is clearly on display in the life of Jesus. He kept watch on the evil and the good. The way of the wicked was an abomination to Him. The word “abomination” means vile, disgusting. The parables of Jesus always seem to turn things upside down.

Consider this. The Pharisees and scribes are the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. They were steeped in the Tanakh, that is, the Old Testament Hebrew Bible. Interestingly, perhaps horrifyingly, they did not recognize Jesus, the very Person to Whom the entire Old Testament pointed, when He stood before them. Like their forefathers, they were grumblers.

Who the people that were drawn to Jesus? Tax collectors, the people who had betrayed their own Jewish heritage, stole money from their fellow Jews along with the legitimate tax revenues they collected. People whose disgusting practices were hateful to God became intrigued by Jesus and were drawn to Him. Luke, inspired by the Spirit of God, records these incidents in chapter 15 and these parables to remind people God works among the most unexpected, those considered unworthy and nothing in the eyes of the world, in order to show His great mercy and steadfast love. No one can earn the grace of Jesus, one receives it when he turns recognizes the depths of his sinful uncleanness, turns from his sin, confessing it to Jesus. What healing there is in the Name of Jesus!

Our Father in heaven, honoured and blessed be Your Name! How patient is Your love and constant is Your mercy toward Your people. Jesus, honoured and blessed be Your Name. How great and unending the grace You give to ruined sinners who realize their for Your redeeming work. Holy Spirit, honoured and blessed be Your Name. Thank You for driving the deep and profound truth of Scripture into the inner chambers of our hearts and minds so that the comforts divine are given into the lives of believers. Triune God, this Christmas season, may many of our friends and family members, who do not yet confess Your Name, be drawn to You and learn of Your love, confessing their sinfulness and receive the Light of the World. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/5Vwu-t7QRaE
Lauren Daigle, Chris Tomlin "Noel"

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