A Gift of God

“Even when we were dead in our transgressions, [God] made us alive together with Christ...” Eph 2:5

When Jesus called Levi to join the disciples, He gave him a new name, Matthew, which means “a gift of God.” Not only did Jesus save Matthew’s soul, He gave him a new beginning. He also opened a door of ministry to the former tax collector’s friends and peers.

Matthew immediately threw a gigantic party and invited “a great crowd of tax-gatherers and other people” Luke 5:29. The Pharisees were furious! How dare Jesus associate with such spiritually unclean people? But Jesus answered, “It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” Luke 5:31-32.

However, the icing on the cake was Matthew’s new name. Can you imagine the temple leaders’ frustration? Each time they saw Jesus and the disciples, “gift of God” was right up front with the rest of the group. Once Matthew was a sinner - but now he is a gift dedicated to God.

You too were once dead in your trespasses and sins, but now you are alive in Christ. And just like Matthew, you are a gift of God, a new creation.

Remember that Christ’s love is as strong for you as it was for Matthew.