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Transcription
Jesus attends a banquet held by Levi, a despised tax collector. The Pharisees complain, but Jesus says he came for sinners, not the righteous. Levi repents, becomes a disciple. Pharisees resent Jesus' association with sinful people. We should balance work and leisure, enjoying activities. Give thanks for God's love. Welcome to Christchurch's Daily Devotion for November 2nd, 2023. Today we will be reading from Luke chapter 5, verses 29 through 32. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples, Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners? Jesus answered them, It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Levi was a tax collector for the Romans. He was despised by the local culture as a traitor and a thief as he took money from people for his own pockets. But Jesus didn't despise Levi. He looked past what others saw and called out to the man whom no one really knew, Follow me. The heart of Levi was overwhelmed by the love of Jesus, who looked beyond appearances and saw his value and his need for forgiveness. Jesus loved gatherings of people that he could eat and talk with, and that culture, to eat with someone, was a significant sign of friendship. Levi repented, became a believer, and was one of Jesus' primary disciples. The Pharisees did not like Jesus associating with these unclean people and having such spiritual authority. They resented the joy and happiness that he brought in the form of hope. Jesus wanted to be where the sinners were and invite them into fellowship with him. Part of our Christian self-care should be to balance work and leisure, time, giving God the glory for his love. Today's personal worship option, think of something every day that you truly enjoy doing and take the time to do it. Dear God, thank you for your love and your desire for us to enjoy life. Amen.
