August 30

"And Levi made him a great feast in his own house."—Luke 5:29.

JESUS sat at meat in the house, and, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with Him.

The feast was one of overflowing gratitude. It was a redeemed man's way of saying what Charles Wesley says—

"Jesus, the Name that charms our fears,

That bids our sorrows cease;

'Tis music in the sinner's ears,

'Tis life, and health, and peace!"

Does the song spring from my heart and my lips to the Lord who has done great things for me?

The feast was one, too, of definite farewell. Henceforward Matthew intended to travel in the opposite direction from his old intimates, unless indeed they chose to throw in their lot with him and his Master. And have I bidden an irrevocable adieu to my former habits and to friends who beguile me into sin?

The feast was one of priceless opportunity. Here was the Physician, and beside Him were the sick—the sick who were at the point of death. How close to succour and blessedness these poor men were! And, when Jesus passes by, have I looked up and greeted Him as Jehovah-Rophi—the Lord my Healer?

And the feast was one of abundant joy. Surely Levi, young convert as he was, had a true insight into the character of Christ's religion—that it is not gloom but gladness, not sorrow but singing, not privation but plenty, not fasting but festival. Do I rejoice in the Lord alway?

They saw God, it was written in old time, and did eat and drink.