"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." --- Luke 5:31 NIV
Jesus found Levi and then invited Levi to follow Him. Leaving everything behind, Levi immediately walked with Christ. The new convert actually organized a worship service (a gathering to honor his Lord) soon after and then invited all of his lost friends, not just his new "Jesus" friends. The religious disapproved and questioned the disciples about their Master's reasoning for hanging out around at the sinner's supper. Jesus made sure that the Pharisees understood as the disciples and the rest of us also "got the point".
Repentance is the first step to God, a step that most will never take. But, for those that will repent and receive God by faith, there is a great healing. The sickness of sin is remedied through the saving work of Christ on the cross. In order to receive this new life, one must repent and turn away from admitted sin. Those that acknowledge sin, come to God for healing, and then follow Him as Lord and Master; they will see true spiritual health. This term "healthy" to which Jesus referred is not a commendable label. To be healthy in one's own eyes over what Jesus truly does see is anything but healthy.
The truth is that prideful, arrogant, and religious individuals are just as in need of God's forgiveness as are the sinner's and tax collectors. This how Levi became Matthew, we take on a new identity when we choose Christ. But, it is only when one comes to ask for help acknowledging their sickness, will the Great Physician bring forward His healing.
A new heart can only be given to the one who opens up to receive.
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