Daily Reading: Mark 2
Scripture Focus: And as he passed by, he saw Levi... (Mark 2.14)
Devotional Thought: Levi was a tax collector. Because of that, he was considered an enemy of the people, a traitor, a Roman sympathizer. He didn't have a lot of friends. Most people tried hard not to see him. And, those who did see him didn't like him.
So, Jesus seeing Levi was significant. And, I believe, it was intentional.
How many times have you tried to avoid eye contact with somebody? "Oh, no! There's Sarah. She's a talker. I better go the other way or I'll never get out of here." "Uh oh! There's Sam. He always wants to talk about politics, and we don't agree! I hope he doesn't see me!"
But Jesus was different. Instead of avoiding Levi, he went toward him and looked right at him. As a matter of fact, looking past the rest of the crowd, Jesus singled him out: "Hey, Buddy, it looks like you could use a friend. Come with me!"
Yes, Levi was different. Yes, he was a "sinner." And yes, he became a true friend of Jesus.
Aren't you glad that Jesus sees us where we are? When nobody else takes notice of us, Jesus does. And, he wants us to do the same. Today, instead of looking to what's next on your schedule, take time to notice the people around you. You will find friends in the most unexpected of places!
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you went out of your way to see me and to become my Friend. Help me to see others around me and love them sincerely. Help me to be a friend to the friendless. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 2.1-6
1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.”
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