He’s calling you
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” Luke 5:27
Have you ever noticed Jesus called His disciples right where they were? He didn’t go to the synagogue or the temple to find students and followers. He found them in their workplace and their everyday life. We read a few days ago about Simon, Andrew, James and John being called to while they were in their fishing boats finishing up for the night. Jesus met them right there on the shore. He didn’t wait until they were on their knees seeking Him in their quiet time. He reached to them in their troubled time when they were weak and tired.
In today’s reading, He is at it again. This time He calls to Levi, a tax collector. Tax collectors were the richest people in Israel because they worked for the Roman government and many of them took more taxes than required for their own gain. They were not godly people and certainly not welcomed in the places of worship. However, Levi received the same call as the fishermen, and he had the same response. In both cases Jesus said “follow me” and in all the responses, those that were called left all to be part of Jesus ministry.
Can you imagine? Meeting someone for the first time or not even meeting them, as was the case with Levi, and walking away from all your security. Your job, your income and your connections? Of course, we know that there were some that didn’t follow when He called. The rich young ruler for one. He walked away from Jesus very sad because he had great possessions and could not imagine leaving all he had worked for his entire life.
So how does this apply to us today? Well, Jesus is still calling people right where they are. He calls to them in their trouble, He calls to people at their place of employment. He even calls to those who look like there is no chance they would even receive His salvation, but His opportunity is always available.
He is calling you too. Maybe you’re thinking I’m not a fisherman or tax collector and certainly Jesus would never call me to leave all that I have. But He is calling. Not that you cannot have a home and family, but He is calling you to make Him the priority of your life. He isn’t trying to control you or make you suffer, but He does want to get you to where His goodness and blessings are and share with you His greatest fulfillments. In the case of Levi and the fishermen, Jesus called them out to “follow Him” so that they could learn how to live like Him and help others find the way. That’s what He is calling you to, also. Learn His ways, walk in victory and help all others along the way.
Today I want to encourage you to make the decision to follow Him. Turn your life around today to walk in His direction. Tell Him you want to follow Him and make Him the Lord of your life. Ask Him to teach you His ways and empower you to walk out your life helping the hurting people around you and watch how your life goes from meaningless to purposeful in no time at all. Follow Him today and your life will never be the same mundane and boring routine again.
Today’s scripture reading: Luke 5:27-32
27 After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.”
28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.
29 Then Levi gave Him a great feast in his own house. And there were a great number of tax collectors and others who sat down with them.
30 And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, “Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
31 Jesus answered and said to 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.”
The Daily Dose 