He was known as a traitor, sinner, thief. He was considered beyond redemption. He was hated, scorned, rejected, exiled from the temple. This had become Matthew’s life, his identity, an outsider amongst his own people. Perhaps, the money, the parties, the comradery of his fellow tax collectors had inoculated him from the pain of being rejected by his people. Their rejection perhaps fueled his resolve to steal from and swindle...
An Audience
Bartimaeus and Zacheous. Two very different people. Bartimaeus was physically blind, Zachaeous spiritually blind. Bartimaeus lived in poverty. Zacheous was wealthy but poor in spirit. Bartimaeus begged for a living. Zacheous cheated for a living. But despite their very different lives they both had a common denominator. They both recognized their need for a Savior! Bartimaeus was despised by his fellow people. Born blind, it was believed that either his...
Healed Hearts
Jesus came to heal the broken-hearted. I know He came to save us from our sins, heal or bodies, give us new life but He also came to heal the broken hearted. (Luke 4) We all know the story of the woman with an issue of blood. After 12 years of suffering, loosing all she had, she found courage to touch Jesus’ garment and find healing. Have you ever ask,...
Every Sin
Jesus did not just die for you, He died as you. Jesus was sinless and had lived His life in perfect communion with the Father. But for three hours darkness covered the earth and every sin was put upon Jesus. Every Sin. Every vile, disgusting, unmentionable sin that was ever committed or ever would be committed was placed upon him. For three hours He saw murder, abortion, pedophilia, acts of...
Whom Shall I Fear?
What do you do when you are rejected? How do you handle when someone is out to get you? How do you respond to someone who is trying to destroy you professionally? King David was all too familiar with his share of rejection. David was betrayed by those closes to him. First, he was betrayed by King Saul who was his mentor and his father-in-law (never complain about your in-laws...
Accepted
Rejection. We have all experienced it. It hurts. It causes us to build defenses around our heart, not want to take risks, question who we are, walk in regret. Rejection coupled with betrayal from a spouse, from a friend, from someone you love can be even worse. None of us would willingly walk through a time of rejection. None of us would voluntarily submit ourselves to the humiliation of rejection....