Changi Chapel

1. Love the Publican – but do not become like one!
The Publican was known as the “harvester of taxes” in the Roman economy. They were contractors appointed by the Roman government to extract tax (or levy) from the working populace.

Jesus always referred to the Publican as someone “you should not be like”. For example in Matt 18:17, Jesus said the unrepentant brother should be shunned like a “heathen and a publican”!

And in Matt 5:46 Jesus asks “Do not even the publicans do the same?” implying we ought to do more than what a mere publican would do.

Hence it was truly amazing that Jesus called Matthew, a publican to become one of the apostles. And when Matthew hosted a big feast at his home, many publicans came to the feast, much to the consternation of the Pharisees.

While we are called to love the Publican, Jesus also set the example of not becoming like a Publican. Reaching out to the sinner but not partaking in their sinful activities, is the genius of the gospel.

Are we measuring up?

2. When did you last fast and pray?
In Luke 5:33, Jesus was asked why His disciples were not fasting. And Jesus replied they will fast in due time – but now because they were with the Bridegroom, it would be foolish to expect anyone to fast when you are a part of a wedding party!

Fasting is a christian discipline that often is overlooked or neglected. Jesus was categorical that certain demons only could be overcome and cast out through fasting and prayer. (Matt 17:21)

In Acts 10:30, we see a gentile called Cornelius who with fasting and praying was seeking God when the angel appeared asking him to call for Peter to know the way of salvation. Fasting and praying brings results because it brings our prayers into sharp focus with an intensity that is singular and prevailing.

Daniel prayed with fasting and he was granted prophetic visions that even today after 3000 years is yet to be fulfilled!

What are we missing by missing out on fasting and praying?