“As Jesus went on from there,
He saw a man called Matthew sitting in the tax collector’s office;
and He said to him, “Follow Me!”
(Matthew 9:9b, NASB)
One day Jesus was walking when He saw a man, Matthew, sitting performing his job, which happened to be that of collecting taxes. Jesus told him to follow Him, and Matthew did just that - he got up and followed Him.
Later on, upon Matthew’s invitation, Jesus went to have dinner at Matthew’s house, which caused quite a stir among the Pharisees. They could not understand how Jesus could sit with the likes of Matthew.
Jesus addressed the true condition of their hearts which were rooted in self-righteousness …
“But when Jesus heard this, He said, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician,
but those who are sick.
Now go and learn what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’
for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
(Matthew 9: 12-13, NASB)
These words have prompted the following thoughts and questions:
- Jesus noticed those around Him. As he walked along, He saw people (verse 9). Do I notice those around me as I go about my day or do I just keep on walking?
- Jesus will show up in the midst of my day, in the midst of my routine, and in the midst of my activity. “And he [Matthew] got up and followed Him.” (verse 9b). Will I permit Him to interrupt my day, my routine, or my activities and follow Him?
- We are not always the people we “think” we are. The Pharisees “thought” they were righteous when in actuality, they were sinners. Do I let Him show me where I need to change? Do I let Him then change me?
Prayer: Lord, you are asking me three very thought provoking questions. Help me to take note of those around me, interacting and showing them Your love for them. Help me to be willing to set aside my own routine and agenda each day, leaving room for You to show me where You would have me go and what You would have me to do. And Lord, help me to remember I am a sinner. I need You to make, and keep, me spiritually healthy. Help me never to forget my great need for You. Amen.
Which of the above questions challenge you today?
Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay
I'd never picked up on "as he walked along, he saw. . . " - I love how you open our eyes to the necessity of "keeping our eyes open those around us." If the fields are ripe for harvest - we so need to be vigilant, to be aware, and to see those God has for us in our daily path. It doesn't seem like a lot to have to do - but it is part of the next you mention - slowing down to see God - and see who He has for us to make a God-connection with. I think the hardest part for me is to stop in the middle of my routine and just be still with Him! I've missed your Monday morning words, my friend! I'm so glad to be here again.
ReplyDeleteYou are such an encouragement, Maryleigh. May we be open to, and allow Him, to interrupt our days and make a connection with those in our lives.
DeleteVery good questions, and very convicting.
ReplyDelete