Follow Jesus!

 May 22, 2023 Monday Message:

Mark 2:14 NLT: “As Jesus walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at his tax collector’s booth. ‘Follow me and be my disciple,’ Jesus said to him. So Levi got up and followed him.”

Tax collectors were the most despised people in Israel. They were considered a step worse than other sinners. Tax collectors were traitors, having taken jobs with the Roman bad guys occupying the land God had given the Israelites. Tax collectors were thieves, taxing more than was required and skimming the excess for themselves. No tax collector lived in poverty, and they had the power of the Roman army to enforce their edicts. Jesus choosing Levi, known to us as Matthew, is a huge statement about redemption and God’s love for ALL his created people.

Listen to this: No matter who you are, no matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, you are still loved by God. If you confess your sin, stand up and follow Jesus, you can and will be forgiven. In fact Jesus has already paid the price to redeem your soul. He will prepare a place for you in the hereafter, and your life-after-this-life will be in the presence of the Lord! Eternity is a very long time, and we would all do well to prepare for it!

Following Jesus is a decision with eternal ramifications, good ones!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship