This may be a short reading today, but a powerful one. Let’s unpack it a little bit.
First of all, Levi (Matthew) was a tax collector. It’s hard for us to really grasp what this means in our own context. When you think tax collector, think ruthless, think swindler, think selfish. It was a job that would make men wealthy because they were taking more than the government required. Yet, so long as the government was getting paid, little was done to monitor and hold these officials accountable.
With that in mind, Jesus picked one, Levi, to be his disciple, his follower, his friend. The Pharisees had a field day with this one! The NLT translation refers to them as “scum.” Other versions would say, sinners, crooks, etc.
What strikes me is that when called, Levi got up and left, period. Much like Peter, James and John did in an earlier passage leaving their fish and boats behind. What happened to Levi’s collections for the day? He must have been so mesmerized and filled with the spirit to just walk away. It doesn’t say he was filled with the spirit, but God’s hand was definitely at work here.
Jesus’ words say it all, don’t they? “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” We are all walking around a little sick, some of us more ill than others, and some are even contagious! We all need a dose of Jesus in our lives to help us stay healthy, spiritually speaking.
Have you had your inoculation today? Are you feeling close and connected to your Lord and Savior? This was a short reading today. Perhaps you want to jump over to the Psalm 51 devotional and reading and let those words just soak into you.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you that you are looking out for me. When I stumble, you are there to catch me. It feels so good to be in your presence each day and be energized with your spirit. For those who do not know you or who are feeling spiritually sick, I pray they will encounter you in a new way today. Bring someone into their path to reveal your truth to them in a way their ears and heart are ready to hear. Unleash passion in me again for my work and bring the people to me you would have for me to bless. I put my life into your hands, Lord. Thank you for your great plan for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
