But when He (Jesus) heard it, He said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13
Gallup has just finished another poll.
This poll, which covered 114 countries, asked people if religion was important to them. You'll never guess what came back. When all the data was analyzed, the polls concluded "Religion plays a greater role in the lives of people in poor countries than those living in wealthy countries."
Did you get that? The poor people of the poor nations of the world count on God more than those who are rich.
Think about that for a moment. We have one group of people who are rich enough to think all the blessings they enjoy come from ... well, from themselves. We have another group of people who are not sure of tomorrow's lunch or if they'll have a roof over their heads.
Which group is going to come to the Lord? I'd say it has to be the group who isn't sure of what tomorrow will bring. Those are the kind of folks who naturally would gravitate to the Lord for help.
How did Jesus say it? Sick people, not healthy ones, need the doctor. Poor people, not rich people, need someone to provide for them.
When people are brought to the Lord because He is their only hope, that's when the Lord can provide comfort.
When people in poverty are turned to the Lord, He can assure them they are spiritually rich.
When souls sick with sin make an appointment with Him who is the great Physician of body and soul, the Lord can give them that which will heal heart, soul, and mind. He can give us the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, may the countries of the world, and the individuals who live in those countries, be touched with the Word. Rich or poor, crowded or barren, they all need a Savior. Please give them hearts and minds that will be receptive to the Holy Spirit's call. This I ask in the Name of Jesus who had no home so we might have an eternal home in heaven. In His Name. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 62-64 Romans 12
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