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Space for Me Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 20–21 James 5 Jesus went a mountainside and called him those he wanted, and they came him. Mark 3: Today's Scripture & Insight: Mark 3:–19 He was an aging military veteran, rough-edged and given even rougher language. One day a friend cared enough about him inquire about his spiritual beliefs. The man’s dismissive response came quickly: “God doesn’t have space for someone like me.” Perhaps that was just part of his “tough-guy” act, but his words couldn’t be further from the truth! God creates space especially for the rough, the guilt-ridden, and the excluded to belong and thrive in His community. This was obvious from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when He made some surprising choices for His disciples. First, He chose several fishermen from Galilee—the “wrong side of the tracks” from the perspective of those in Jerusalem. He also selected a tax collector, Matthew, whose profession included extorting from his oppressed countrymen. Then, for good measure, Jesus invited the “other” Simon—“the Zealot” (Mark 3:18. We don’t know much about this Simon (he isn’t Simon Peter), but we do know about the Zealots. They hated traitors like Matthew, who got rich by collaborating with the despised Romans. Yet with divine irony, Jesus chose Simon along with Matthew, brought them together, and blended them into His team. Don’t write anyone off as too “bad” for Jesus. After all, He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He has plenty of space for the tough cases—people like you and me. Reflect & Pray Who do you know that you think is unlikely to give their life to Jesus? How might you invite them to consider who Christ is and the space He has for them? Dear Father, thank You that salvation is available to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus. 
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AMEN. My first husband and I, along with our children, ministered at some nursing homes, including the one where I worked. One day, I was especially drawn to a man who was sitting a bit apart from the others, but who seemed to be listening intently as the children and I sang, and then my husband shared a short message about salvation. We would then go about and greet all the folks in the room and ask if any of them wanted prayer, and most would ask for prayers for something or someone. I went over to this man, and kneeled down in front of him and talked to him a bit, and then asked if he had ever received Jesus as his savior. He sort of sadly shook his head, and said he had lived this long without church, he guessed he would live the rest of his life that way. I explained to him that Jesus was not church, but the living God who had died for him, and that I would be glad to pray with him anytime. He smiled and thank me, but shook his head slightly, so I hugged him and walked away. A few nights later, while I was working, one of my staff told me that he asked to see me if I were on duty. I went to his room, expecting him to need a pill or something, but instead, he said he had been thinking about what I said, and he wanted me to pray with him. He received Jesus ........ and a couple nights later, he died in his sleep. It's never too late.... until we die. Be a prism, spreading God's light and love, not a mirror reflecting the world's hatred.
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I am reminded of St Augustine's (?) very relatable quote/truth that 'the Church isn't a museum for saints, but a hospital for sinners'.
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