JESUS SPEAKING
“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Mathew sitting at the tax office. And he said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him” (Mark 9: 9.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
The calling of Mathew is among the shortest conversion stories recorded in the bible. As a tax collector, he was hated and despised by his own people. Still Jesus saw something in him worth saving. As the Lord passed by He uttered two simple words that would forever transform Mathew’s life; “Follow Me.” His response was concise, immediate, and unwavering. Mathew arose, abandoned his position, and began following Jesus Christ.
During the 1880’s, a famous baseball player named Billy Sunday had a similar experience. One day, he and his teammates entered a saloon and began drinking. Upon exiting, Billy spotted a group of Christians singing hymns and preaching about God’s salvation and forgiveness. As the tears rolled down his face, he turned to his teammates and said, “Boys, I’m through! Going to turn to Jesus Christ. We’ve reached the parting of the ways.” Some mocked him, while others encouraged him. He promptly entered the Pacific Garden Mission and gave his life to the Lord. Later he said, “I called upon God’s mercy. I staggered out of my sins and into the outstretched arms of the Savior. I became instantly a new creation in Him. The next morning at practice, my manager, Mike Kelly, greeted me and said, ‘Billy, I read in the paper what occurred yesterday. Religion isn’t my long suit, but I won’t knock you, and I’ll knock the daylights out of anyone who does.” Billy Sunday would go on to become one of the greatest evangelists of the early 20th century.
Like Mathew, and like Billy, God is still calling many to follow Him today. Jesus Christ desires that all would come to know Him and submit to His discipleship. Some respond to His call; still others do not. How can you respond to God’s calling and receive salvation? First, find a quiet place; reach out to God in prayer, and ask Him to enter your heart. Turn away from your sins, and publicly profess a faith in Jesus Christ. Get involved at a local church and be baptized. Request an easy to read version of the bible (read it every day; beginning with the gospels.) As you grow in the knowledge of God and submit to His commandments, you will experience a marvelous transformation. The old things will pass away; for behold, God makes “all things new.”
“Lord Heavenly Father we thank You for calling us to be Your disciples. May You continuously dwell within our hearts and minds. Give us the strength to turn away from sin and death. May we receive the Holy Spirit and embrace the new life we have in You. Teach us; guide us; be our king and our friend. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 