Jesus Calls Levi
27 After this he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting at the tax office; and he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And he left everything, and rose and followed him.
29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house; and there was a large company of tax collectors and others sitting at table[a] with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes murmured against his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Jesus is always calling out to us, “Follow me”. The question is, are we listening for Him? Lent is a time for intentional listening. If we are not careful, the cares and concerns of this world, mixed with the busyness of our schedules, will drown out the voice of Jesus in our lives. Often, all we hear is our own voice echoing back to us as we lament over our concerns and worries.
But with the season of Lent we increase spiritual practices in our lives to help us listen for Jesus’ voice, something we should do every day of our lives. We listen for Him as we read a devotional and as we spend some dedicated time in prayer and meditation. We can even listen for Him as we are doing something intentional to serve someone less fortunate or some other good work.
The key to celebrating Lent and not just observing it is in the act of our being intentional. Instead of doing what we always do when we give up a meal in fasting, set aside that time for an act of personal worship. Acknowledge that in that moment you are aware of Jesus’ presence with you and listen for what He wants to say to you.
When Levi (aka Matthew) hears Jesus’ words, “Follow me”, he dropped what he was doing and obeyed. Levi was at work when he heard Jesus call him. The word tells us that he left everything, which likely means that he even left the tax monies he had collected. Suddenly, an encounter with Jesus was the most important thing to him.
From that moment on Levi’s life found meaning and purpose. He took Jesus to his home and held a great banquet for Him. He invited all his friends to come and hear Jesus as well. Levi knew that if Jesus’ words could have such a profound impact on him, then his friends needed to hear from them also.
Today, would you make some time to get alone with Jesus? Leave your thoughts about your work and all the things you need to accomplish and spend some quality time with Him. I promise you Jesus’ words will bring showers of blessings as they fall upon your ear. His words are the latter rain falling on those who hunger and thirst for more of Him. Who knows, you may even decide to throw a party like Levi did. Why not? It is Lent – it is time to celebrate!
Shalom,
Pastor Brad
Image credit: https://www.stephensizer.com/2018/01/the-call-of-jesus-follow-me-john-143-51/. https://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/6205/why-is-worship-important