Mark 2:15b

"... many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him."

'Lord, Jesus, Your Son, surrounded Himself with what were considered to be at that time on earth the most vile of all people. Those who cheated, stole, connived, swindled, and even mocked your Law. The Bible says that He reclined and feasted with them. I presume this to mean that He was quite comfortable with them, even relaxed in their presence. He was welcoming, hospitable, loving, compassionate, patient and willing to listen. And the effects were profound; not just that people were attracted to Him, but that they were cut to the quick by what He represented, taught and came to fulfill. So much so that there were many, and they followed. How many of those actually believed I don't know, but I do know that Matthew (Levi) was one, and his life and writings (through You) save people even today, 2,000 years later.

Today I will be with many who are considered to be some of the business elite. They're smart, successful, good communicators, confident, honest, respectable and hard-working. In fact, I'd say they're pretty much the opposite of those described by Mark whom Jesus sat with. I won't see many of those kind of people today, but nonetheless You've put me with people who still need grace, and I possess grace. I want my work associates to be attracted to You today, Lord, through me. Sometimes I allow them to intimidate me, but I want to be relaxed, hospitable, willing to listen, kind,... just like Jesus. They're not a nuisance or interference with my life; they're those who may one day follow, believe and perhaps live that many might be saved. Help me to view every encounter I have with another today as an eternal opportunity.'