Nougat 24

Hi dear

Do you remember your conversion story? Where you were and what you were I don’t. But to some extent, I can remember my call. That is, my call to full-time ordained ministry. There are several call stories in the Bible, each with its own unique angle. Like in today’s Holy Nougat – could you do that?

“And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.” Luke‬ ‭5:28‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the verse preceding this nougat, we are told that Jesus encountered a publican (not a Republican or Democrat; but one who worked with the Roman government to oversee their interests). Wikipedia suggests that they collected taxes; an extremely lucrative business in those days. Additionally, they were suppliers to the Roman legion, managed port duty collection AND oversaw public building projects. In our current times, they would be civil servants; but with greater benefits and power and in Jamaica they would be dons.

Naturally they were feared and despised both at the same time; as they were often dishonest and unconscionable. In those days, that they worked WITH the Romans meant they were traitors and unclean; not a welcome combination. And yet, when called by Jesus, Levi (for that was his name) left EVERYTHING and followed Him! Everything. He walked away from it all to follow Jesus.

It’s worth noting that, as with the other disciples, we don’t know of Levi having met Jesus prior. Not by reputation nor in person. Yet he recognized that All the power and wealth in his possession diminished in value in the presence of Jesus. As a businessman he must have weighed his options and examined the opportunity costs. For Levi, Jesus was worth all that. He then hosted Jesus at a special dinner party, to which Levi invited his colleagues. Obviously, Levi wished his friends to have a similar experience of God’s mercy. A God who saw them as they were and loved them even more. A God Who didn’t condemn him, but loved him into transformation.

What hidden or public aspects of our lives align with Levi’s life? How impactful has God’s call and intervention been – enough to leave everything and follow?- enough to invite others along? Should Jesus call us to follow Him this very moment – and He does – are we ready to leave everything and follow?

Selah

In Christ’s love and grace . . .