Room at the Table

When Bishop Pennel was Bishop here in Virginia, he told the story about a man who never took communion.  One Sunday after church, he sought out this man and asked why he never came to the altar to take communion.  The man quickly told the Bishop he was too bad to take communion.  Bishop Pennel told the man all have sinned and that’s why Jesus came.  Jesus came for everyone.

At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, he made some surprising choices for His disciples.  He first chose several fishermen from Galilee.  These fishermen were from the wrong side of the tracks from the perspective of the “holy” ones.  He also selected a tax collector – Matthew – whose profession included extorting from his fellow citizens.  Jesus also invited the “other” Simon – “the Zealot”. (Mark 3:18) This is not Simon Peter and we don’t know much about him but we do know about Zealots. Zealots hated traitors like Matthew, who got rich by collaborating with Romans.  Isn’t it amazing that Jesus chose Simon along with Matthew, brought them together, and blended them into his team?

Don’t ever write yourself off as being “too” bad for Jesus. There is hope for each of us. Jesus said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32) Jesus has plenty of space for the tough cases – people like you and me.

Prayer – Father, thank You that salvation is available to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus. Thank you for sending Jesus for a sinner like me. Amen.

Mark 3:13 – Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.

Author: Tommy Herndon