FOLLOW ME

Matthew 9:9

Matthew, the son of Alphaeus, was also called Levi.  He was from the region of Capernaum and was a Publican or Tax Collector.  He was probably the most educated of the twelve apostles.  In the eyes of the world at that time, Matthew was a man with a promising future.  Although we don't know for a fact that Matthew was like other tax collectors, most men with this job were unliked by the common man because tax collectors were known for abusing their position and swindling money from anyone they could. 

Matthew could have gone on and made a good living.  He could have made connections with those who were high up in the political circles.  He could have, except for one simple (or perhaps, not so simple) encounter with a man from Galilee. 

In Matthew 9:9 it simply states that Jesus passed by where Matthew was working and said "Follow me".  A simple statement that carried such profound, life-changing responsibility and blessings. 

Matthew's response seemed simple as well,  "He arose and followed Him".  But it actually wasn't that simple.  History tells us that for 15 years after that encounter he followed Jesus' leading by preaching the gospel to the Jewish people of that region.  Then following Jesus command to preach the gospel to the "uttermost parts of the world" went on the preach in Macedonia, Persia, Parthia and Ethiopia.  It was there, according to one writer that he was burned to death by the regional ruler Fulvian. 

I doubt that he really understood that day when Jesus called him from the tax receipt table what would be required of him.  But he was willing and faithful. 

You and I can't see what will be required of us down the road either.  Will all our hopes and dreams be fulfilled?  Will we fall flat on our face?  Will we suffer from sickness, tragedy?  We just don't know.  I know this however, we shouldn't expect a "cake walk".  Jesus Himself said "In this world you will have tribulations".

We are not responsible for the outcome but we are responsible for doing what Matthew did.  When He calls we must arise and follow where ever He leads.