On Grumbling

Almost everyone wants to be recognized when they are doing the right thing.  Even people who claim that they don’t want to be recognized have been heard complaining that no one appreciates them.  This is part of human nature.

In today’s reading from Luke, Luke chapter 19, we see some of this.  Zacchaeus who is a nasty tax collector is selected by Jesus for a visit.  Probably everyone who had gathered to see Jesus would have liked him to pick them out of the crowd as a person of interest, a person to be graced.  Who wouldn’t?  Of course, Jesus couldn’t go to everyone’s home, but if he had picked someone higher up the “good” ladder, then everyone might understand.  But he picked Zacchaeus!  Doesn’t he know that he’s a “bad” one and WE are the GOOD ones?!?  The people are dismayed!

Jesus came to save sinners, not reward the righteous.  He seems to have a special desire to save the sinners whose sins have put them outside of the family.  He prefers to spend at least some of his time with what we might call notorious sinners!  It isn’t fair!

Well it isn’t fair.  It is GRACE.  Grace is be definition unmerited and unearned.  It seems obvious, but it sticks us all the time.  If it is unearned and unmerited – we can’t earn it.  For those of us who consider ourselves to be followers of Jesus, whose sins are the acceptable kind (or hidden even from ourselves), this can be difficult.  We long for the recognition, for the reward for the temptations avoided, for the love of God.

We cannot earn what we already have.  Today, do not wait for a miracle or a sign to praise God, but spend time with Jesus who loves you already.  Celebrate your membership in the family of God and rejoice when another child of God finds salvation!!