The scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”            (Mark 2:16-17) ESV

When we first moved to our present house, it was so windy that the electric was constantly going out. It would happen all the time, but in the winter, since everything we had was electric, it was really cold. So we decided to invest in a gas fireplace. With the touch of a button, a cozy fire flared to life, sending out warmth and light. All winter we could pull a chair up beside the fireplace and stay warm. Eventually, spring & summer arrived. Temperatures would soar and the sun blazed. We wouldn’t need to sit by the fireplace. We wouldn’t need more warmth. I’m no fan of blizzards, but the frigid weather deepened my appreciation for the fireplace. I’m also no fan of the cold and bitter trials of life, but they remind me of my need for Jesus.
When my life is in a summer place, unclouded and still, I often forget to rely on Christ. The Pharisees also didn’t see their need for Him. They even scorned those who had obvious spiritual struggles. Yet Jesus invites us to acknowledge how cold and empty our lives are without Him. Confessing that we are among those “tax collectors and sinners” doesn’t disqualify us from His grace. In fact, we are the men and women He came to save!
Is your life in a winter season that wracks you with shivers? Jesus knows, and He cares. He invites us to draw near to the warmth and comfort of His love.

Faith Step:    Sit by a fireplace (or heating vent) and ponder the warmth and grace that                 Jesus offers.