The Daily Word: Monday, March 22nd, 2021
Numbers 33:40-35:34
Luke 5:12-28
Psalm 65:1-13
Proverbs 11:23
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he left all, rose up, and followed Him. – Lk. 5:27-28
Matthew did well. As a tax collector, he collaborated with the Roman occupational forces to levy taxes on the Jewish people. Tax collectors were hated because they usually charged a tax rate in excess of what Rome demanded, and then pocketed the premium. By the time he met Jesus, Matthew had likely amassed great personal wealth at the expense of the Israeli people.
But when Matthew saw Jesus, everything changed. All Jesus said was, “Follow Me,” and Matthew stopped what he was doing, got up, and followed Him. What an absolutely insane response! In one moment at the drop of a hat, Matthew “left all.” He left his entire life behind to follow Jesus. He left what we can only assume was tremendous wealth and a very comfortable life to follow a Man who claimed to be the Son of God.
But this is what happens when you meet Jesus face to face. You will be forever changed! You will see Him and know Him for who He really is; and from that moment forward, you will never be the same.
I pray you meet Jesus today. I pray you see Him for who He really is! I pray you would know that you are intimately known. You are fearfully and wonderfully made! And once you experience His presence, your life will be forever changed.
Prayer:
Father, I want to experience Your presence today! I pray I would see You and know You for who You really are. Make me like Matthew, Lord. I want to have such a dramatic encounter with You that I will leave everything with a moment’s notice and follow You with my whole heart!
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.