2 Chronicles 9:6 but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.
Hidden within Old Testament passages we will discover important hints of the nature of our audience. Who will believe our reports?
When I gave my life to Jesus those who knew me saw me change. That allowed me to explain how and why I changed. It was easier for them to believe that Jesus changed me because they saw me change.
What of people who have no knowledge of what we were in a previous life and only know us for who we are now? A measure of trust has to be established or else they will leave and go their own way. This means that we have to invite people into our lives. We have to make room for them.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
We don’t get to sit and eat with people we insult. Jesus answered the Pharisees about their judgments, not His own.
John 12:47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.
Wisdom says a drowning man will not cry out for help until he fears for his life.
2 Chronicles 9:6 …. half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; ….
We cannot make them ask and they will not ask us if they do not trust us. They will not trust us if they believe we are judging them.
When Jesus ate with sinners He remained who He was in character and nature. He is our great example in how to act while we sit with sinners at table. We cannot allow them to influence us. Be who Jesus has made us to be. Perhaps then they might ask what is so different about us..