Jesus, Friend of Sinners

Repentance.  What a beautiful word.  What a beautiful reality.  The turning away from sin.  The act of  turning away from sinful self (in both heart and mind) and turning to God. 

Jesus came for the sinner.  In Matthew, Mark and Luke Jesus was seen eating with the tax collectors and sinners.  The pharisees could not fathom why he would lower himself to be seen with these filthy sinners. Jesus' response was simple...this is who I came for. 

"I desire mercy and not sacrifice.  For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."
Matthew 9:13

In fact He rejoices over the 1 who comes in repentance more so than the 99 who are just and need no repentance.  Luke 15:7

We attended a service a few days ago and we saw this doctrine in action.  As the song Jesus, Friend of Sinners was being sung, Holy Spirit began to draw with sweet conviction.  No one stood and made an alter call.  It was simply the power of God at work in the hearts of men and women.  Several people responded to this drawing and came to the alter in repentance.  It was a beautiful site.

Rod and I didn't know these people.  We had no relationships with any of them.  Yet we sat and sobbed on the back row as we silently prayed.  We saw the love of God in action.  We witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit draw men unto Himself.  We saw ourselves.  Sinners.  Forgiven much.  Loved much.