THE CALL 

Matthew 9:9 "As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," me He told him, and Matthew got up and followed Him." 

 Matthew had one of the best paying jobs in Israel as a tax collector but it did cost him his reputation to be wealthy. Those who collected taxes for Rome were considered traitors by the Jews. Rome had been oppressing the nation of Israel for a long time and they ruthlessly took whatever they wanted from the people and then some! So you can imagine how much people like Matthew were despised.

Maybe for this very reason, Matthew was more inclined to get up and leave it all behind to follow Jesus when He called him. Matthew had a lot of money but probably very few friends other than fellow tax collectors. He was hated by many and now this man, Jesus who had quickly gained a reputation as a teacher, prophet and miracle worker throughout the land had noticed him! Not only noticed but was calling him to come. Calling him! An outcast! What could Jesus possibly want with him? Matthew must have been utterly amazed and grateful to be noticed and accepted. This Jesus, some called the Messiah, the Son of God, was calling him of all people! Even though he didn't understand why, he felt welcomed and finally loved. He did not hesitate for a moment to get up and leave his place of employment, security and personal comfort.

When Matthew left his tax booth behind to follow Jesus, there would be no more income and all the benefits would cease yet his desire to be accepted and part of God's kingdom had overtaken his desire for wealth the moment Jesus came into his life. Yes, he would leave it all behind to follow Jesus, knowing the cost, and it was that very faith to follow Jesus that would bring an immediate transformation in Matthew's life. Jesus from then on, would use Matthew's keen gift for observation to record the greatest story ever told--the Gospel that bears his name.

How about you? Have you heard the call of Jesus to follow Him? How will you respond? Will you let your financial situation hold you back or your family and friends? Jesus asks for our full surrender to His calling to follow Him but the journey is priceless and the rewards are
greater than anything this world could offer.

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