Another meeting at the Diner with a godly woman and it always leaves me thinking and searching my heart afterwards. This morning I opened my Bible to the reading for the day and find Matthew taking on the challenge to follow Jesus. I pick up the Believer’s Commentary on Matthew 9:9 and read this:
“The tense atmosphere building up around the Savior is temporarily relieved by Matthew’s simple and humble account of his own call. A tax-collector or custom house officer, he and his fellow officials were hated intensely by the Jews because of their crookedness, because of the oppressive taxes they exacted, and most of all, because they served the interests of the Roman Empire, Israel’s overlord. As Jesus passed the tax office, He said to Matthew, “Follow me.” The response was instantaneous; he arose and followed, leaving a traditionally dishonest job to become an instant disciple of Jesus. As someone has said, “He lost a comfortable job, but he found a destiny. He lost a good income but he found honor. He lost a comfortable security, but he found an adventure the like of which he had never dreamed.” Not the least among his rewards were that he became one of the twelve and was honored to write the Gospel which bears his name.”
          A good reminder for us is that when you and I follow Christ we may lose what the world considers success and position.  Note that Matthew didn’t lose due to unemployment or other factors beyond his control. He CHOSE to follow Christ, quickly, and it seems without fear or worry of the cost. Unlike me, who has to think about it, Matthew got up and and followed. Sometimes you and I need to think less and act more. What might you need to walk away from in order to follow Him and gain ALL that He has?

Blessings, Kathy Withers

Kathy’s on staff at America’s KESWICK in the Development Department. Kathy has been married to her husband Dave for 27 years.  They have two adult children. Kathy is active in her local Church and has taught Sunday School and Bible Studies for women. Her passion is to encourage women to deepen their walk with Jesus Christ by finding and living out the truths of God’s Word.