Luke 5:27-32, Not Just Inept, but Sick.

Observation: When Jesus calls Levi, he's not just calling someone who's made a mistake or two, but who's ready to turn over a new leaf. He's calling a guy who makes his living by driving his friends and neighbors into poverty, sometimes off their ancestral land, all to enrich himself and the foreign occupying government he's working for. Honestly, if Jesus showed up at this guy's house, I'll admit, my reaction might be like that of the Pharisees.

Application: All people have this terrible habit: we tend to maximize other's sins, and minimize our own. To gladly hand down harsh sentences to others for their misdeeds, but have a long list of extenuating circumstances when we're the ones on trial. The fact is, none of us is more qualified to follow Jesus than Levi is. He's a sinner. We're sinners. It's the pool of volunteers Jesus has to work with...Which is good, because sinners are the exact people Jesus wants to hang out with. It's not about having a  good resume, or even a short rap sheet. It's about knowing we're sick, and drawing close to the doctor.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are sick. Heal us. We are in need help us. Amen.