Matthew 9:16-17

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” - Matthew 9:16-17

Dear Jesus,

John the Baptist's disciples asked you why your disciples didn't fast twice a week as they did. You told them it was because fasting was for more difficult times than what your disciples were experiencing. Your presence filled them with joy. Oh, how you are bigger than life! Harder times did come for your disciples after you left. Then they fasted but not the way the Pharisees did. Instead, they sought your will in prayer and fasting. They did not fast to earn your favor. After you taught about fasting you used these two powerful illustrations (unshrunk cloth and new wine) to describe how incompatible your gospel is with religion built on moralism and laws. You cannot try to fit your good news about all sins forgiven into a system of religious ceremonialism. I'm thankful that you have graciously chosen me to learn about grace. I'm forgiven of all my sins, free from all laws and happy to live a life of love toward you and all people. I have a renewed desire to live well that I never got from rules. Help me to live a good life today not because I must but because I love to.

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Living for God is a no brainer when you know he lives for you.

Additional Reading: Galatians 3,4,5