FWD: Morning Manna (Sept. 28); BP: Lk. 5:27-28; RBTTY: Ephesians 1; Is. 5-6

 
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net

 

---

-----Original Message-----
From: "Apostle Tom" <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:12:44 -0500
To: pressingon@hotmail.com
Subject: Morning Manna (Sept. 28); BP: Lk. 5:27-28; RBTTY: Ephesians 1; Is. 5-6
 
 
September 28 “Surrendered”  
 
“And after these things He went forth and saw a publican, named Levi,  
sitting at the receipt of custom—and He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ And he  
left all, rose up and followed Him.”  
Luke 5:27-28  
We may not knew “where” or “what,” but we’ll always know “with Whom.”  
Talking about “radical obedience!” Such was certainly the case with  
Matthew, also known as Levi, that day when today’s Manna occurred. And,  
believe it or not, the Master is still doing the same thing today—i.e.,  
saying, “Follow Me.” The question is, “Are we following Matthew’s example  
or simply debating the meaning of Christ’s call?”  
 
There’s no doubt Matthew, who’s name means “gift of the Lord,” was a  
Jew by birth because his other name (“Levi”) quite possibly indicates he was  
of the tribe of Levi. Or, it’s possible his parents simply chose that name  
because of its Godly connection. Regardless, it’s clear that Matthew chose  
another path and was a living, despised contradiction of his name by having  
sold out to the Romans in becoming a tax collector.  
 
Tax collectors, also called “publicans” in King James’ English, were  
hated by their Jewish countrymen because of their corrupt ways and  
sanctioned thievery by the Roman government. These middle-men paid an  
advance sum to the Romans for the right to collect taxes and could require  
excessive payments over-and-beyond the required amount without fear of  
government reprisal.  
 
No wonder they were despised and lumped into the same “unclean”  
category as harlots, lepers, etc. Yet, Jesus didn’t hesitate to stop at  
Matthew’s tax table that day and say, “Follow Me.” He didn’t worry what the  
“religious” folks would say or do; He simply issued the same call He still  
gives today to “whosoever will.” Hallelujah!!  
 
We should particularly note that Jesus didn’t give Levi a detailed  
itinerary or lengthy summary of what they’d be doing and where they’d be  
going. He simply said, “Follow Me.” What’s amazing is Matthew didn’t say,  
“Well, let me think/pray about it and I’ll get back with you, Jesus.”  
 
No, he simply “left all, rose up and followed Jesus.”  
Hmm. . .sounds a bit like Abraham, doesn’t it (Heb. 11:8)? Also sounds  
like the other first disciples, doesn’t it (Lk. 5:11)? And, believe it or  
not, this same “crisis of faith” is still a part of what it means to be  
“surrendered” here-and-now.  
 
The question is, “Have I ‘left all’ to follow Jesus?”  
“What do you mean?” someone asks.  
Simply this: “Is there anything that’s more important than my service  
to the Lord Jesus? Is there anyone whom I love more than I love Him? Am I  
totally ‘sold out’ to Him. . .willing to go wherever He leads. . .and do  
whatever He says?” May the Holy Spirit search our hearts today and reveal  
to us any “pockets of resistance” or “strongholds” that are keeping us from  
being totally yielded to Him.  
 
_________________________________________________________________  
Kick back and relax with hot games and cool activities at the Messenger  
Café. http://www.cafemessenger.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_SeptHMtagline1