Luke chapter 5 verses 27 – 29 (NIV)
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.
Jesus didn’t wait until Levi finished work. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t an acceptable occupation for a good Jewish man. Jesus called him from the place that he was at, and Levi got up and followed Him. As an influential tax collector, he also wasted no time finding an opportunity to introduce his friends to Jesus.
It’s such an encouraging story and reminds me that Jesus takes us as we are and He starts changing us right away. He doesn’t wait till we reach an “acceptable” position. Levi could have said that it wasn’t the right time, but he didn’t. But his heart changed and so had his priorities. Its another reminder to me that Jesus expects me to ensure I put God’s will as my top priority and as long as I do that, He will look after the rest.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for taking me as I am. May I continue to be as willing and obedient as Matthew. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.