21 Days of Prayer: Day 2

As we begin the new year, Converge churches and missionaries from around the globe will embark on 21 Days of Prayer. Join us on this prayer journey by reading the daily entries on Converge’s blog, or by downloading your free 21 Days of Prayer: Praying God’s Agenda prayer guide. In addition, you can share daily posts from our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter feeds. Thank you for joining us as we open 2020 in prayer together.

Submit to the One who said, “Follow me.”

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.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Notice

Consider whom Jesus was calling when he called Levi (more commonly known as Matthew). A tax collector, Levi was considered an outcast by the Jews of the time, who despised their Roman occupiers. The system of collection led to deep suspicions of theft — collecting more than needed to pad one’s own pocket. But that’s just the kind of person Jesus came to seek, a sinner in need of saving. I qualify. You qualify. We all do. And as Jesus called Levi, he also calls us.

When Jesus said to Levi, “Follow me,” that’s just what the tax collector did. He left everything, got up from the tax booth and followed Jesus. He then threw a big feast for his new Master. Following Jesus requires submission to him. He wants no “halfway” disciples. Jesus is Lord and King. Following him may require leaving behind some stuff. It certainly means a change of direction. Jesus wants to come to your house, dine with you — in fact, live with you — and lead you.

Think about it

Following Jesus involves submitting to a new Master. A new King is on the throne of your life. What a beautiful, new direction our lives take. Our new King created the universe, came to earth to save us and offered his life on the cross in our place. And he rose from the dead to lead us to his eternal kingdom, the new heavens and new earth. Jesus guides us through life’s pain and challenges, hurts and disappointments and blessings, while filling our lives with purpose, hope and joy. To follow may mean short-term pain, but the long-term benefits are fabulous.

A prayer of submission

“Father in heaven, today I acknowledge Jesus Christ is my Master. He’s my King. I submit my day, my week, my life to him. I am filled with joy, for I know any short-term pain will bring eternal benefit. I yield my every circumstance to your loving lordship and leadership in my life. Like Levi in the Gospel of Luke, I leave my stuff behind to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, knowing he has my well-being in view. Take me, Father, for I am yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

To read more of God’s word

Luke 5, Psalm 139