Friday Devo

Read Luke 5:27-32. Levi is better known as Matthew. He wrote the first gospel. The reputation of tax collectors was pretty poor. We don't know for sure that Matthew was a crooked and greedy as most tax collectors but there is no doubt that Jesus picks a disciple from a questionable background. This would have been like a present day church asking a casino owner to be on the church board. It would have raised an eyebrow or two!

It is important to note that for a tax gatherer to leave their trade for a time was certain occupational suicide. Peter and his friends can go back fishing if things with Jesus don't work out but Matthew cannot. He was in for the long haul - no looking back.

A wise man once told me that before you can be the friend of sinners you must truly hate sin. Don't miss that in this story. Jesus was able to hang out with this questionable crowd because he hurt deeply for them. He knew the power of sin that infected them and like a doctor with a broken heart for his patients - Jesus can't stay away.

questions

1) Think about the phrase, "I can't be a true friend of sinners until I truly hate sin." Who do you have in your life that you need to remember that with? Do you ever find it easy to forget about people's eternal destiny?

2) Like Levi we need to leave "everything" to follow Jesus. Is there something that the Lord has been inviting you to walk away from? Something from you past life of sin? Pray for strength right now to do it! Don't pray "help me" pray - Lord by your strength - remove this sin. "help me" is a prayer of self-reliance. We want the power of God doing the work!!!

3) Jesus wasn't worried about what the "religious people" said about him. How have you let other people's expectations negatively affect you?

prayer

(adoration) Lord you are more beautiful than gold and more costly than silver. It would be better to be with you one day - in your presence than a 1000 elsewhere. My soul longs for you God - I want to leave "everything" behind to follow you - increase my faith! (Thanks giving) Thank you Lord for my week. There were ups and downs but I can see how you were wanting to use all the downs to shape my character to be more like you and I can see all the ups that you blessed me with to show your love. (Confession) Lord I confess I have not always followed you like Levi. Give me more passion! (Supplication) Father today I ask for a good weekend. Could I have some rest and relaxation. Could I have the energy I need to serve you and others.