Psalm of the Day: Psalm 62
Wisdom of the Day: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Scripture Reading: Luke 5:27-32
We are taught one of the chief objects of Christ's coming into the world. We have it in the well-known verse, "I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
This is that great lesson of the Gospel which, in one form or another, we find continually taught in the New Testament. We need to be frequently reminded that Jesus did not come merely as a teacher, but as the Savior of those who are utterly lost; and that they alone can receive salvation from Him, who will confess that they are ruined, bankrupt, hopeless, miserable sinners! Let us use this mighty truth, if we never used it before.
Are we sensible of our own wickedness and sinfulness? Do we feel that we are unworthy of anything but Divine wrath and condemnation? Then let us understand that we are the very people for whose sake Jesus came into the world! If we feel ourselves to be righteous then Christ has nothing to say to us. But if we feel ourselves to be lost sinners then Christ calls us to repentance. Let not the call be made in vain.
Let us go on using this mighty truth, if we have used it in time past. Do we find our own hearts weak and deceitful? Do we often feel that "when we would do good evil is present with us?" (Romans 7:21.) It may be all true but it must not prevent our resting on Christ. He "came in to the world to save sinners!" And if we feel ourselves to be such then we have warrant for applying to, and trusting in Him to our life's end.
Only let us never forget one thing: that Christ came to call us to repentance, and not to sanction our continuing in sin.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to be my Savior.
Action Plan: Christians often view themselves as better than other people. What was Paul's view of sin in 1 Timothy 1:15? How does this verse apply to you today?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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