We live in a marginal world. There are always some people living on the margins of society. They seldom, if ever, have enough of – anything. They live without hope. Even in the church there are those who always stay on the sidelines, seldom allowing themselves into the fellowship times where intimate relationships are born and nurtured. They watch as others go to the altar for anointing and prayer, never having quite enough courage or faith to let go and trust God with their lives.
The reason we do what we do as the church is to continually offer hospitality, acceptance and love to encourage those in the margins to come deep into the heart of God. So it will be until Christ comes again in Final Victory. In the opening verses of today’s reading Matthew describes what that day will be like:
the news of Jesus spread quickly throughout the whole area;
and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed.
They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe,
and all who touched him
were healed.
When Jesus comes the margins will be removed!
In the next passage Jesus begins to prepare the church for our work to take down the barriers that keep people on the margins. Jesus tells the Pharisees that with God, it is a matter of substance over form. God is looking to our heart, our inner life, for evidence of our transformation. It is not so much a matter of how we worship; but why we do worship. Understanding this will help Matthew’s church take the Good News to the gentiles; and will help our church reach those who are marginalized.
The more my focus is on Who I worship and Why, the more God can use me to invite All people to come and receive healing and wholeness from God.
What does today’s reading reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do
or remember about this passage.
Does God want you to change anything in your life?
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