WHEN HE CALLS

By Rick Mathes

Matthew 9:9 (NASB) ⁹  As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He *said to him, “Follow Me!” And he got up and followed Him.

It never occurred to Matthew that day that his life would be changed forever. He had his CPA degree and had specialized in tax evasions. After a considerable amount of money had exchanged hands with a few greedy officials he got the most coveted criminal occupation of a tax collector. He had three sets of books. One for himelf, one for his insider official and one for the emperor. I know, because that’s what I did before I met my new boss of bosses, Jesus.

The table was set up and the taxes being extorted as usual. There was a stir in the air that the miracle worker minister Jesus would be along soon and the excitement was electrifying. Soon, it came to pass and Matthew’s eyes met those of His Savior.

“Follow Me,” Jesus said. It was a golden moment that would never happen again. It was the Creator commanding the created. What could he do but follow Jesus? This was a no-option situation. His legs stiffened up, he stood and he followed. Something inside of him knew that Jesus would notice him and say something but to leave all and follow was not what he expected. He heard Him attentively and rose up quickly.

When the Lord calls there is no time for second thoughts. When Jesus commands you, al He wants to hear from you is “Yes Sir!” God so loved the world that He didn’t send a committee.” Praise the Lord, He sent He only Son and that’s all He needed to do to get the job done.

Matthew didn’t think twice. He got up and obeyed. What we have to infer is that he believed I Jesus so I have to suppose he did some serious consideration and homework because it would be against an accountant’s character to be flighty and quick to make major decisions. Numbers-crunchers are just made to be extra careful.

Notice though with all forethought and care, he followed immediately. He didn’t give Satan any wiggle room to step between them and give him pause for another consideration. When Jesus call, you know you know! So lesson learned: hear him attentively, rise up quickly and respond immediately: got it?