How can we emulate Matthew's immediate response to Jesus' call in our lives? Seeing the Scene in Matthew 9:9 “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’s response is breathtakingly simple: Jesus calls, Matthew rises, end of story. No delay, no questions, no bargaining. Why Matthew Left So Quickly • He recognized the authority of Jesus’ voice (John 10:27). • He counted fellowship with Christ worth more than lucrative income. • He trusted that obedience would settle every unknown. • He understood that delay is disobedience in slow motion (Hebrews 3:15). Responding Like Matthew Today • Tune your ears daily to Scripture so you recognize the Shepherd’s call. • Accept that “follow” always means “leave” something—comfort, plans, or habits. • Choose obedience first, explanations later; clarity often follows commitment. • Let gratitude for salvation fuel prompt action (2 Corinthians 5:15). Practical Steps for Immediate Obedience 1. Start the day surrendered. Before tasks pile up, verbally yield your agenda to Him. 2. Keep short accounts. The moment conviction lands, confess and realign (1 John 1:9). 3. Obey in the small. Quick responses in little nudges train the heart for larger moves. 4. Limit competing voices. Fast from media or influences that muffle the Spirit’s prompting. 5. Write down the call. Journaling clarifies what He asks and tracks His faithfulness. 6. Act within 24 hours when possible—send the apology, share the gospel, sign up to serve. 7. Invite accountability. Share your “yes” with a mature believer so delay has nowhere to hide. Strength from Related Scriptures • Mark 1:18 — “And at once they left their nets and followed Him.” • Luke 5:28 — “And Levi got up, left everything, and followed Him.” • Psalm 119:60 — “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” • James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:24 — “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” Final Encouragement Christ’s call still echoes through His Word and Spirit. When He speaks, rise immediately; the same Lord who summoned Matthew stands ready to guide, supply, and transform every willing follower today. |
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