The Call to Follow
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to Your Word today. May we be inspired by Jesus' example of love and pursuit of the lost. Guide us to understand and apply Your teachings in our lives. Amen.
"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."
In this passage, Jesus calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Tax collectors were despised in Jewish society, yet Jesus saw beyond Levi's occupation and invited him into a transformative relationship.
REFLECT:
Jesus' call to Levi is a powerful reminder that God sees beyond our past and our societal labels. In a culture where tax collectors were viewed as traitors and sinners, Jesus extended an invitation of grace and purpose. This act challenges us to consider how we view others and ourselves. Are we willing to see beyond the surface and recognize the potential for transformation in those around us? Jesus' call to Levi was not just an invitation to follow, but a call to leave behind a life that was not aligned with God's purpose. Levi's immediate response to leave everything and follow Jesus demonstrates the power of Jesus' presence and the hope He offers. This same call is extended to us today. We are invited to leave behind anything that hinders our relationship with God and to step into a life of purpose and mission. As we reflect on this passage, let us be encouraged to respond to Jesus' call with the same willingness and urgency as Levi. May we also extend this invitation to others, seeing them through the eyes of Christ.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I will grow closer to my one.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for calling us to follow You. Help us to see others as You see them and to extend Your love and grace. Empower us to leave behind what holds us back and to pursue Your purpose with courage. Amen.