Levi Davenport and the Only Question That Matters

I was too stupid to know it at the time, but I was in the presence of greatness. This is often the case with me. Yet, I didn’t miss the significance of what he asked, it is still as if I heard it yesterday. I understood the greatness of the question, but I missed the greatness of the man. As I write this, the greatness of the man humbles me, Christ in the man humbles me.

It was during lunch in a restaurant in Pittsfield, Massachusetts that I heard the only question that matters. A group of pastors of the denomination I was associated with was having a lunch meeting with a denominational official. Since I was the newest pastor at the table I listened. Listening is often safe, plus I’m reminded of the teaching of Proverbs that even a fool, if he holds his tongue, is thought to be a man of wisdom. I was less interested in being perceived a man of wisdom, than I was in not being perceived as a fool. 

Levi Davenport was the oldest pastor at the table, and he mostly listened. In his case, he listened because he was wise. As I look back on my association with Levi, I don’t recall one stupid word ever coming from his mouth. As I consider that Jesus says that we’ll be held accountable for every word we speak, I have an image of Levi spending less time before our dear Lord on this matter than me. Why can’t I have a Rose Mary Woods erasing tapes for me? 

We had finished our meal, the round table had been cleared, and we continued to talk. Levi was seated a couple of chairs to my right, his hands folded over his Santa Claus tummy, his eyes peering over his reading glasses perched at the end of his nose. 

We talked, and we talked. I have no recollection of what we talked about. 

Finally Levi spoke in his heavy Massachusetts accent, with light in his eyes, with kindness in his voice, and with a smile on his face, he looked around the table at each of us, including the denominational official, and asked, “But what about Jesus? But what about Jesus?”

Levi’s question brought me back to my senses, it cleared the religious and ecclesiastical atmosphere, it opened the windows, allowing the fresh air of the Holy Spirit into the room. It was like Glenda waking Dorothy and friends up in the poppy field so they could continue their journey to Oz. 

Jesus Himself asks, “But who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). 

This is not only the most important question, it is the only question, it is the only question that matters. It is the only question that ever matters. 

Are we asking this question? 

This morning? 

Throughout the day?

Is this question our center of gravity? 

In Hebrews 11:4 we read concerning Abel, “Though he is dead he still speaks.” 

While Levi went to be with Jesus quite a few years ago, he is more alive to me today that he has ever been. 

I hear his voice right now asking, “But what about Jesus? But what about Jesus?”