Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Today's Scripture
Luke 5:27–32

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him. Then Levi gave a great banquet for him in his house; and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others sitting at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes were complaining to his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” Jesus answered, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick; I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (NRSV)

Reflection

When Jesus asks Levi the tax collector to follow him as a disciple, Levi says yes: Levi “got up, left everything, and followed him.” Levi even celebrates his discipleship with other tax collectors.

As I read the passage, I wondered what it would be like to be Levi — to have Jesus approach me and ask me to follow him.

“Ed Miller, please leave all you have — and follow me.”

“Who, me?!” Yes, ? and !

I realize I’d pause and need to think about Jesus’ request.

I’d wonder: Do you have the right Ed Miller? After all, Miller’s a fairly common name.

Then I’d wonder, “Why me, Jesus?”

Why a sixty-seven-year-old white male, teacher, leadership coach, husband to Dale, good (I hope) Presbyterian?

Yes, I’m active at my church. However, I’m not the most faithful, committed Christian. In fact, I sometimes hesitate calling myself “Christian.”

Yes, I believe in God our Creator. And that Jesus was a great teacher and person of deep faith who sacrificed his life so all of us could be forgiven.

However, I’m also very human. Sinful for sure. As I’m sure Levi was.

The good news, of course, is that we are all forgiven — through Jesus’ death, through God’s incredible love and forgiveness. Through the gift of God’s amazing grace, I am forgiven. Right, I know that.

However, my sins are pretty bad. I’m petty. I can be mean and unkind. I’m also selfish and self-centered.

Then I wonder: Perhaps that’s why I’d be a good disciple. Is that your thinking, God? That because I am so human — and am definitely a sinner — that I will hopefully relate and empathize with other humans. Other sinners.

OK. So maybe I could be a disciple. Then I’d want to ask, “So, Jesus, what does being your disciple involve?” What’s my job? My role? How much time will it take? And when and how do you expect me to fulfill this role?

This being a disciple of Jesus is a big deal. That I appreciate. Am I really willing to commit fully and completely to the role?

My truthful answer: I’m not sure.

I’d like to say, “Yes, absolutely, Jesus!” The truth, however, is I’m really not sure.

So my question now becomes, “What would you do if Jesus approached you and asked you to follow him — asked you to be his disciple?”

What would your answer be?

Prayer
Dear Jesus, as I go about my often challenging, sometimes even overwhelming life, help me to be open to your call. Help me live my life aware of the incredible gift of grace your life and death made possible. May being open to your call give me the energy to love my neighbors as myself and to love God with my whole heart and mind and strength. In your name I pray. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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