Change your Levi's

Levi got a nickname: Matthew. 

Millions of people know Matthew, the gospel writer's, name.  His original name was Levi.  When someone took on a new career or especially committed to a new faith, they would take a new name.  Levi decided he was going to follow Jesus, the way Jesus defines 'follow'.  Levi knew it was time for a change that everyone would hear of and speak of ... Levi got a nickname: Matthew which means, 'Gift of God'.

"Hola, Levi..."
"No, call me this now ... I'm a different man and here's why..."

In 2006, Vanessa and I had the privilege of sharing the gospel in Kenya alongside some solid college students.  Of the Christians we met there, we noticed they all had taken on Christian names after their conversions.  They never mentioned their names prior to their Christian conversion because those days were o-v-e-r.  They always took Bible names.  We met people named Simon, James, Peter, Ruth, and John.  Once saved, you are a new creation in Christ, Amen?! 

This signifies a radically changed life, having left a limited living for unlimited living with Christ.

This is such a great reminder to do everything you can to make your conversion crystal clear to everyone.  What are you doing?

"Jesus saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, 'Follow Me'.  And Levi rose and followed Jesus."  Mark 2:14

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17