photo #6426206

"A CALL FOR FOLLOWERS." "And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.And he left all, rose up, and followed him." (Luke 5:27-28)As we read thru the Bible, we'll find again and again that God is unpredictable in His choosing of people to accomplish His work. That truth is evident here in His choice of Levi to pen the Words the Holy Spirit inspired him to write in the first book of the New Testament. You and I would have been quick to give the thumbs down when considering Levi as an apostle, but not Jesus. Jesus saw something in the life of Levi.Of the twelve apostles, none was a more notorious sinner than ole Levi (Matthew). Publicans (tax collectors) were classified with heathen (18:17) and harlots (21:31) by Matthew himself. Yet, Jesus saw him sitting at the receipt of custom, performing his infamous job, and called him right then and there to follow Him. Notice how with simple, yet sincere faith, Levi responds. The account here says, "he left all." That response says plenty, doesn't it? For this was a man who forsook a lucrative position for that lovely Person named Jesus. He not only left behind his livelihood; he said good-bye to his former lifestyle as well for Christ.Levi went from sitting at the seat of custom to sitting at a feast (in his own house and at his own expense) in honor of Jesus (Luke 5:29). In the life of Matthew, we see the transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. The former businessman now becomes a faithful believer.Yes, Matthew left everything connected with his sinful past and followed the Lord. Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and THEY FOLLOW ME:" (caps mine) What a clear example of this truth we see in the life of faithful Matthew! True faith leaves all in order to follow the Saviour.As it was in the life of Levi then, when Jesus looks at us today, He sees something that He is able to transform and use for God's glory. Have you heard Jesus' call to "Follow me."Remember friends, the Lord isn't looking for bunch of fanatical fans who want to run around looking like chickens with their heads cut off, He's longing for a band of faithful followers who strive to be like Him and who are humbled to simply be a part of the family of God. For that is the need for the hour!