Levi's Table

based on Luke 5:27-31 He stopped at my table and stood and stared At me and the extorted wealth I'd taken; But he discerned beneath how poor and scared That my collector's kingdom would fin'lly be shaken. He called, "Follow me." I arose and followed after, Left my booth and scales dropped them all aside, And welcomed to my home light and love and laughter; But left out all other's debts, left no seat for pride. And reclining with this rabbi, at my table of the least While my betters stood despising, scoffing from outside, My Master in the presence of mine enemies set a feast Of lordly leisure and promise: to be always at his side. My mission now is to carry news, calling from east and west, "Come to the table of the King, be found and filled and rest." © Randy Edwards, 2016. artwork: Jacob van Oost (I) (1603–1671), “The Calling of St Matthew’, 1648. Church of Our Lady, Bruges.