The main point I grasped from this sermon was about what the Bible says about people we choose to bring up. It references scripture in Matthew.
Before Service
We hop in the car this Easter Sunday with Destiny Church in Rochester set as our destination. Its a little different today because I’m blessed with the the company of another (Alicia) on my way there–not something I’m used to but I’m very happy nonetheless. We arrive and park in the exact same parking spot as last week and head inside. Immediately when we walk in there is a greeter by the initial door who hands us a program and introduces himself to each of us. They still know me as a newcomer–which I am because its still only my second time ever visiting this church. I’m pointing this out again because they noticed, which is amazing–points for Destiny! The second greeter sees us also and explains where we can get some food and coffee if we would like it before harvest begins.
Alicia and I walk into the service area and find a spot up front. We place our iPad and journal in row two–right in the middle of the action–and head to their service hall for coffee. When we walk in I’m immediately recognized by a few of the servers. This felt amazing because I just started this blog and having people not only recognizing me but also giving me such positive feedback on it is so fulfilling. It strengthens me to work harder to make this website something great. Thank you for the encouragement!
Not long after we sit back down in the service area Pastor Rod and his wife Pastor Connie greet us–they were sitting directly in front of us in the front row. Pastor Rod was pleased I had such a positive experience my first time coming there.
Worship songs started. Halfway through them George, our flag and shuffle dancer from last week, comes over to let me know I have the opportunity to come up front and worship if I would like to. He and I both already knew this but of course it was nice to be invited. I did end up worshipping alongside him from the common ground directly in front of the band.
In this church the openness for the congregation to add to prayers, blessings and also tell stories is absolutely remarkable. We listened to one of the congregation members’ story of faith, and others spoke as well about how they’ve been saved recently as well.
The Sermon (Matthew 9:9-13)
The main point I grasped from this sermon was about the people we choose to bring up. It gave me a very enlightened perspective about how we can create change in the world we live in. As many of my readers may or may not know—I’ve recently left my previous career to do whatever God calls me to do by using the gifts He’s given me to make the world a better place, and I really felt this message today was speaking to me about how we can best create change in our world. [Read about my challenge] The message served today explained how Jesus sat and ate with the tax collectors. In Biblical times if you ate with someone that meant you accepted them. When the pharisees saw this they reacted because they expected Jesus to sit and eat with them, accepting them. The pharisees questioned Jesus, but his response assured them he knew what he was doing. The ones who are already doing good are good, it is important to accept those who are furthest from the fence for several reasons.
Jesus explains in Matthew 9:9-13 that not only does he accept the tax collectors, but he knows when they do see the light they will trust him because he accepts them for who they are. He has compassion. He has the heart to initially see things from another’s perspective, and not impatiently pass judgement/jump to conclusions.
Jesus came to us to forgive our sins—to show us all truly has been forgiven, and the more we make the right decisions via walking with Jesus we are saved. We will be shown the way, faith is like a guide lifting us. Enabling us to triumph and transform into a higher self, enabling us to live an abundant life the way he meant for us to live.
We need to call on those who are furthest from the fence. We need to not give up on people simply because they have not been shown the way. We learn from scripture the ones who are the furthest outliers against—when shown patience—can and will see the Light. Pending their moment of clarity they will become our strongest advocates for the very cause they were so strongly opposing. Those are the people we need to work on. Work on these people, and the rest of those who follow and think like them will continue to follow.
Response
Has this scripture from Matthew changed your view on who you should focus on helping? Respond in the comments below.