28/11/2022 - JESUS’CHOICES

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As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9.9

What a day it was when the people saw a paralytic get up and walk home under Jesus’s command (Matthew 9.1-8)! The Master still gave other lessons, in order to prepare His disciples to carry out the divine work with wisdom and anointing. Those who hear God’s voice calling them to the ministry must stay by His side, to learn more and better. Thus, they will fulfill such a mission in the midst of the lost people. The Lord loves everyone (Titus 2:11). Believe that!

After leaving the house where the miracle of the paralytic took place, and going a little further on, the Master had another work to perform, which many had to witness. At the tax booth, Christ saw a man named Matthew (or Levi), a publican who collected taxes for Rome. Jesus always sees what we do not see, so it is wise to let Him guide our lives. The Son of God saw this man in his spiritual misery and called him to Himself.

Levi was sitting down, but since Jesus had a work for him to do, He soon spoke to him and was answered. It doesn’t matter what a person does in secular life; if the Master chooses him or her to be part of His ministerial group, they will have to leave everything and submit to Him. When man calls, many make excuses, but if the one who calls is the Savior, it is necessary to give up everything to follow Him. God still speaks!

The church is not a place for idlers, those with the most varied interests except that of obeying Jesus command to Go. Whoever is called by the Lord and answers Him does not care about vain things, because he knows the risk of despising the voice of the Most High. Whoever accepts God’s invitation learns to walk with Him, and upon receiving His directions to go anywhere or do anything, soon comes forward to fulfill that task. 

Only the Lord understood Matthew’s heart, but it was with the publican’s salary that this man earned his living. Only the Most High can discern the difference between those who work in His Kingdom with zeal and those who cause problems. It’s very important to trust the heavenly Father, as Jesus did when He called this tax collector. The Master prepares His chosen ones for the ministry (1 Thessalonians 5.24). Never invite someone to be a worker if he has not received such guidance from Heaven. Praying and waiting is good for you!

Jesus told Matthew: Follow Me. The Bible reveals something similar to the prophet Elijah, when he called the son of Shaphat to be his apprentice and helper: So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. (1 Kings 19.19). Elisha must have been from a wealthy family, yet he left everything to accompany the prophet.

As soon as he heard the invitation, Matthew got up and went after the Savior. Elijah had heard the divine promise that the plowman would be anointed a prophet in his place (1 Kings 19.16). When God guides you, there is no reason to fear; all you have to do is carry out His commands. When working for the Most High, never let any contrary thought enter your heart. Follow heaven’s guidance and you will be blessed in your deeds. Amen?

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares