JESUS CALLS, LEVI CELEBRATES

Written by Jeremy Haskins, Associate Executive Director, Hartley Drive Family YMCA of High Point, North Carolina

Stepping through the stone archways of the massive gates entering the Old City of Jerusalem, I was surrounded by people going in and out as they went about their business.

I imagine what it might have been like for Levi, the tax collector, to have his booth by the arched entrance, stopping people as they stepped through for what they owed the Roman government.

Levi was known for overcharging his own people, choosing the oppressive enemy regime over his fellow Israelites.

But Jesus chose him anyway.

Though Levi was counted amongst the unforgivable, Jesus called him to be one of His disciples, follow Him, and eventually even be an apostle.

Levi stopped what he was doing to follow Christ; he left his life as a corrupt tax collector behind and threw a party for Jesus.

Levi not only invited his fellow tax collectors and friends to his unexpected Jesus party. He surprisingly let in Pharisees and some religious teachers known for being jealous of Jesus and finding fault with his followers.

He wanted to celebrate his transformed life with Jesus and began to spread the good news to everyone in his life, even the Pharisees; he wanted everyone to hear from the Messiah.

Levi’s sin-sick heart was healed. He now cared for his community and served them with a free meal to experience the good news of Jesus as he did.

He showed his new love and commitment for all people by bravely pushing through their hatred for him.

Levi’s transformed life reminds me of the YMCA staff I know who display selfless service every day to happy members and grumpy ones, fixing problems with a generous heart.

It’s this kind of love and commitment that keeps YMCA members wanting to come back; somewhere along the line, faith in Jesus gets interjected, and a whole new level of friendship and community happens.

Maybe you need to hear this today: God is calling to you, and He loves you more than you can understand. To the one who feels like a misfit: you are not alone, even if you feel that way.

Pray with me:

Dear Heavenly Father, help me hear the call of Jesus upon my life, not to let my past keep me from following Christ but rather become a holy misfit who loves, serves, and cares for all.