Second Sunday After Pentecost
Theme of the Day: God Loves Sinners
They never forgot their past. Moses never forgot how he killed a man in a fit of anger. Paul never forgot how he had savaged the Church of God. Matthew never forgot how, as a tax collector for the Roman Empire, he was considered a traitor to his people.
But God forgot their past. He forgave all their sins and called them to proclaim his mercy. Christians are sinners whom God has mercifully called. Only mercy can explain why Jesus brings people to faith and promises them salvation. Only grace can explain how he calls them to serve as they are able, even in the ministry of the gospel. God loves sinners.
Matthew 9:9-13
Exodus 3:1-15
1 Timothy 1:12-27
Psalm 119C
575 – By Grace I’m Saved
578 – Chief of Sinners Though I Be
654 – Jesus Sinners Does Receive
706 – Come unto Me, Ye Weary
816 – I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus
Prayer of the Day: Almighty and merciful God, you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, to seek and to save the lost. Graciously open our ears and our hearts to hear his call and follow him by faith that we may feast with him forever in his kingdom; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. Alleluia.