In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller offers a progressive perspective on the story of Jesus and Levi in Luke 5:27–32, highlighting the power of hospitality, inclusivity, and transformation through relationship rather than judgment. Using the Message translation for clarity, Dr. Miller explores how Jesus calls those who are often overlooked and emphasizes the importance of building connections around the table. He encourages listeners to embrace compassion over exclusion, promote wider community, and take actionable steps to make their own tables—and hearts—more open and welcoming.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jesus invites people others have given up on, exemplified by his call to Levi, a tax collector.
2. Transformation and belonging happen first through relationship and hospitality, not through enforcing behavior change.
3. The “table”—or shared spaces and authentic conversation—is central to spiritual growth and connection.
4. Progressive Christianity urges naming unjust systems without dehumanizing individuals trapped within them.
5. Faith is about healing and compassion, not “holiness policing” or separating insiders from outsiders.

Links referenced in this episode:

voiceofgoddaily.com

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).

He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.

Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.

He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...

1. Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
2. Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
3. Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
4. A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
5. A prayer for your day.

A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.

The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.

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Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.

Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)