Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Hold back your foot

Saturday, March 4, 2017

From Luke 5, also in Mark 2
Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the customs post. He said to him, "Follow me." And leaving everything behind, he got up and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were at table with them.

Wearing my first century robe, I stand on the street looking up at a huge Hollywood mansion owned by a gangster, complete with dance hall and dining room big enough for all the folks that need to be impressed. I've been invited to the party. Should I walk up those stairs and in the door?

Levi owns this place. Levi is a descendant of Aaron, named after the righteous, ruling tribe of Israel. Levi is not living up to his name.

The religious leaders are not impressed. They do not say, "I want what he's having." They look down the smooth plains of their large noses and turn away, sniffing.

Levi is a tax collector. A Sinner.

Jesus isn't impressed by the white sepulcher of a mansion Levi seems to be so proud of. But Jesus has something else in mind. He thinks of the words we read today in church before this story. "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man, but rather in his conversion that he may live" (Ez 33:11).

God's grace is center-stage. Jesus rises to the Pharisees' retorts with one of his best analogies: "Those who are healthy don't need a doctor, but the sick do. I have not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners."

OK. I'll climb the steps. This is Friday night, it's a Sabbath party. I run my hand along the smooth grain of God's will, call the Sabbath a delight. God loves this, and invites me to fly: "You shall delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth."

Levi might think he's rich, and I have been a poor man all my life. I have only one robe. Jesus sees through us both and invites us into restoration. Be made whole, and then pass it on. "The ancient ruins shall be rebuilt for your sake, and foundations from ages past you shall raise up." In Jesus eyes, the old words come to new life.

And now too in mine. Yes. I want to be at this party.

Dark at night, Lord, listen to my pleading. Gladden my soul, because I am afflicted and poor, nourish me and guide me always. Your word whispers warm in my ear, and I follow your path. Your children can share what you give us with each other, and you will renew our strength. We shall be like watered gardens, sitting in the sun, loved.

Devotions Archive

Hold back your foot

Saturday, March 4, 2017