Blemished and Bruised
“And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.””
(Luke 5:29-32 ESV)
This past weekend we watched the Food Network show “The Big Waste”. Four of the network’s cooks were sent on a mission to create a multi course banquet. The twist of the assignment: create the courses with food that was on the way to the trash.
The show was very informative and eye-opening. The cooks went to grocery stores, farmers, wholesalers, and restaurants to see what was on the way out. What was interesting was that many farmers and grocery store owners throw out perfectly good food. However, consumers (you and me) do not want blemished or bruised fruit and vegetables. You should have seen the amounts of food thrown out…so sad.
The show also reminded me of people who think that they cannot be blemished or bruised to come into the presence of God. They believe they are completely lost and God does not want anything to do with them.
But if we read through the Gospels, we see that Jesus came to save the blemished and bruised. He did not come for the righteous! They had no need for Him. They were already righteous and their heritage would save them…
We all have been blemished and bruised. We knew we needed a Savior. Let us then ‘pick-up’ the blemished and bruised, and show them the way to the cross.
And next time you are at the grocery store, pick up the not so perfect tomatoes; they are always good for making pico de gallo :wink:.
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Help us to share Your grace with all the blemished and bruised. You are looking for the sick, not the healthy. No one is beyond Your incredible love. In the precious name of Jesus ~ Amen.
Photo & Content Copyright © Iris Nelson
Amen to this precious prayer.
LOVED this post! I have not seen that show you are talking about but I echo a loud AMEN to your message. So many times we feel unworthy or not good enough but all God is asking is that we offer up ourselves (our fruits and vegetables)and He will make something new. Thanks for sharing!
Insightful! So sad there is such waste. Thanks for applying the blemished and bruised to all of us, that is why Jesus came for us, you are right.
Have a great day!