One of my favorite scenes in The Chosen is when the Lord calls Matthew. For those who may not know, Matthew was a tax collector—someone who took money from his own people, the Jews. He saw their distress and worry, yet he kept collecting taxes; even as he realized his own father had fallen behind, he still collected, had many imprisoned, and was going to imprison his father.
Matthew’s family was deeply ashamed of him, and his father painfully declared, “I have no son.”
Matthew chose this profession, thinking it would secure his future; he believed wealth was the answer, even at the cost of betraying his family and his faith. He tried to justify his role, convincing himself that his talent with numbers was meant for this path. He was wealthy and had everything he wanted; his family never imagined he would use his gifts to harm his people. Ultimately, he was using the talents God gave him against God’s true purpose for him.
One day, as Matthew worked in the tax collector’s booth, Jesus and His followers walked by. Jesus spoke to Matthew and said, “Follow me.”
God had another plan for Matthew. He had a plan much better than that of being a tax collector.
Matthew left the booth and followed Jesus. Jesus called Matthew to follow Him.
Wow, let’s think about this:
- Matthew knew what he was good at- numbers.
- Matthew thought being a tax collector was what he was supposed to do.
- His job put him at odds with his people, and he knew it.
- His job was based on money and the Roman mindset.
This was what Matthew thought, but as he thought about what he was doing, and I assume he began to pray about it, his mind shifted; when Jesus walked by, he followed and left everything behind.
Jesus called Matthew just as HE CALLS YOU AND ME!
We may not understand; it may not be something in our skill set; it may make us uncomfortable; it may make others around us uncomfortable; but when He calls you, follow with no ifs, ands, or buts.
Thursday night, I felt Jesus calling me to go, giving me a NUDGE to drive to see someone who has been on our joy mail list for 4 years. Friday morning, I got up and headed to see her. When I got there, I sat on the edge of her hospital bed; we hugged and cried. I really don’t even have the words to describe the visit, just that I am so glad I listened to God’s call. It was a blessing.
Has God called you to do something? Has He called you and you are questioning? Do you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at you, saying, “Come on,” even though others may not understand, even though people may be upset with you, even though it may make you uncomfortable?
When God calls you, don’t just walk; run and keep on running, because when we fix our eyes on Jesus, we go where He wants us to go.
Hebrews 12:1-3 is one of my favorite scriptures.
Hebrews 12 New International Version
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
He is calling all of us, but it is up to us whether we answer. Even if it is difficult, a difficult decision can make us comfortable and others uncomfortable, but make the decision, answer the call, and follow.
It is easier to make the decision to follow when we
- Start every day in the Word
- Serve just as Jesus serves
- Fill your cup with Christ so you can fill other cups
As Father Mike says, “I’ll pray for you; you pray for me,” and as Tara Leigh Cobble says, “He’s where the joy is,” and never forget: Cupcake loves you, but so does Jesus.
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