Thursday, July 09, 2015
TEXT: LUKE 5:27-39
KEY VERSE: “And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him” (Luke 5:27,28).
It is a lot easier to accept God’s calling when it comes to us, no matter how difficult it may seem, than to face the consequence of rejecting or postponing it. The blessedness of obedience at the first call of the Saviour is something that may never be experienced by the hard-hearted sinner whose rebellion must be broken by afflictions and needless pains before they come. So much joy and happiness we lose when we delay.
Our text unfolds with Christ’s invitation to Matthew, the tax collector. He was a man despised for his occupation and lifestyle yet, Christ called him out unto salvation. Christ’s call to Matthew is akin to His call to every believer today. It is a call from a life of sin to that of righteousness. It is a call from our old occupation, companions and commitment to a new vocation and a new friend in Christ Jesus. He has called us to a new goal of preaching the gospel to every creature.
Matthew’s call was glorious but his response was much more glorious and challenging. The call came to him with an apparent suddenness, but his response was equally swift and glorious. His ready heart and self-surrender are a pattern for everyone who hears the gospel message. Like the song writer says “When His message comes to you, There is but one thing to do, Just Obey”.
God’s call must be acknowledged as a privilege which must be gratefully accepted. The believer must receive God’s call wholeheartedly and fulfill it overwhemingly. How terrible will it be if once filthy tax collector abandoned all to serve the Lord, and you fail to do so. Do not allow Matthew the tax collector to stand as witness against you in judgment.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: GENESIS 26 - 28
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Obedience to God is paramount for a successful walk with Him.
Higher Everyday for Youths - Link: http://highereveryday.dclmhq.org/
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