We have an
expression which deals with our existence. We refer to the ‘fabric of our
lives.’ While I’m not exactly sure where that expression comes from I do think
I understand what it means…
I also
understand when fabric gets old and inflexible it tears.
You might
think Jesus, as THE gentle Master, would be very sensitive and tender with a ‘fabric’
He is aware is old and thin and thread-bare.
But when
that old thread-bare inflexible fabric represents what relationship with God is
meant to be, Jesus tears that fabric apart.
Would the
people of faith allow a tax-collector to fellowship with them? Certainly not
the tax-collectors who took advantage of the people, the tax-collectors who
profiteered from the people’s misery, and the tax-collectors who preyed on the
people’s property.
Certainly
not.
Jesus saw a
tax-collector named Levi at the tax office and invited him to be His follower. (To
date, this may be the most radical thing Jesus has done. It is certainly the
most plainly offensive.) The Pharisees and the scribes ARE offended. I can feel
their offense all the way across the span of time. (After all, I’m not a big
fan of tax-collectors either…)
Even worse,
Jesus goes TO Levi’s house for a feast provided by (presumably) tax-payer
funds, and He enjoys a time of fellowship with all of Levi’s tax-collector
friends and associates.
Who would do
such a thing, knowing these men are evil?
This is the
question the Pharisees understandably ask. What kind of Holy Man would
associate Himself with those He knows are sinful? There is no excuse for this
kind of behavior. Sinners must be rejected and abhorred and denied ANY
opportunity for fellowship until and unless they have completely reformed.
Hasn’t that
always been the brittle, thread-bare position of religion?
-Pastor Bill
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