And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at - TopicsExpress

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. (Mark 2:14) Our greatest fulfillment and wisest decision is to follow CHRIST. Sometimes opportunities are brief and decisions must be made quickly. Matthew, the publican aka hated tax collector, here called Levi, had the honor of direct contact with JESUS as HE was passing by. The name Levi means attached , pledged or joined and Matthew means the gift of the LORD. He was well-to-do or wealthy because he collected money for the Roman government from the militarily occupied Jews. The receipt of custom was the place where tax collectors gathered and conducted business. So, more than likely there were other tax collectors and Romans present. Amidst the tug of corporate Israel and capitalism JESUS said follow me and he who was joined, pledge and attached to worldliness got up and followed CHRIST…the became the gift of GOD. My brothers and sisters who leave worldliness and follow CHRIST - you are a wise and fulfilling gift of GOD and I love you