Luke 5: 27, 28 “Later, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the place for playing taxes. Jesus said to him, ‘Come with me.’ Levi left everything and went with Jesus.” Quoted from, “The Friend Forever Bible”.
Dear God,
On this lovely day of moderate heat, blue skies, fluffy white clouds and little chirping birds, it feels so right to thank and praise You above all. I enjoyed preparing the ground and planting the vegetable seedlings. I look forward to the soon coming lush green growth of the lettuce, mixed Chinese greens, rocket and broccoli. I also look forward to the arrival of my order of seeds for the garden and micro greens, ordered from an enticing catalogue. I am very grateful, that You have provided us with nutritious foods that some of us are privileged to be able to grow in our gardens.
I read in the first chapters of Luke, that Jesus had been taking the attention of the people wherever He went ‘like a storm’. Though His actions and words had the impact of a storm, He actually provided peace, needed life direction and answers to soul needs, along with comfort and healing. In Luke 5 He was still choosing the team of men that would accompany Him, as disciples during the time of ministry on earth. He knew the blend of personalities and abilities needed for the now, and for the years of being His messengers after He had returned to heaven. The Holy Spirit works on every heart directing them to their God, and everyone has free choice to accept or reject these overtures by the Spirit. The men Jesus chose, had been slowly responding to the Spirits ’still small voice’ and so when Jesus came along, and suggested that they leave all and follow Him, they made such a sacrifice without hesitation or a backward thought of repining.
I wonder if I or many of us would respond when such a request or sacrifice, comes our way? Work upon my heart and mind dear God, so that I will always follow and do as You ask, no matter the place or the sacrifice. Also that I will know without a shadow of a doubt, that it is Your voice that calls, and not my own idea, or the devils suggestion.
Jesus called Levi, who was from the hated occupation of tax collector, due to the fact that they collected money for the Romans, who were the conquering force at the time. Not one to be chosen by human terms, but Jesus representing heaven, knew his heart, which was not revealed on his exterior. A lesson we the inhabitants of earth, often need to learn, we only know a little of what goes on inside a person, even when we know them well, it has been reported. Therefore it is unwise to pass solid judgement upon a person’s motivation or unspoken opinion.
Levi was so happy that Jesus had accepted him by asking him to join the team, that he threw a celebratory meal for Jesus. Naturally his friends, fellow tax collectors and other ‘notable well heeled’ personages where there. V29 “In his home Levi gave a big dinner for Jesus. Many tax collectors and other guests were also there.” Such an event always miffs some people, because so many of us, due to our sinful self-interest, either think we should have been along, or that we would not risk our reputation to eat with someone who was not socially acceptable by church or community standards. I am so glad God, that because of Your infinite patience, that You bear long with us. And finally some of us do ‘get it’ and humble ourselves and in Your strength, attempt to follow Your way of love and equality. V30” The Pharisees and some of their teachers of the Law of Moses grumbled to Jesus’ disciples ‘Why do you eat and drink with those tax collectors and other sinners?” Surprise, surprise, I wonder if they really thought they were not sinners? The well-known passage in Isaiah, referring to Jesus, (which He had read aloud in the temple) told of the morality of each person who has ever lived, V 6”All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone to his own way;………”
Amen