March 2, 2007

Read Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, "Follow me." And he got up and followed him. (v. 9) FOLLOW ME Jesus told Matthew, a tax collector, to follow him. Just as now, tax collectors were not received kindly in Jesus’ day. This King of the Jews did not seek out royalty or the politically con-nected. He looked into the hearts of men and selected his disciples from fishermen and tax collectors. Even after his death, he called Saul to follow his path – Saul, the Pharisee who thought he was following God’s law by persecuting early Christians. Yes, Jesus looks into the human heart and accepts us where we are, with all of our human imperfections. All he requires in turn is for us to believe and love him. Love him like Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to his service helping the poor in India’s slums. Commit to him like Dr. Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela, who followed his example by working to provide human rights for all races, teaching love, not hate, no matter the personal sacrifice. Jesus calls us today. He beckons us to follow him, we who call our-selves Christians. He wants us to get involved and spread his message. He wants us to be bell ringers for the Salvation Army, he wants us to be caregivers to those in need, he wants us to be Sunday School teachers, he wants us to become pastors. He wants us to follow him. Dear Jesus, stir up in our hearts that overwhelming compassion to love our neighbors. Make us blind to their imperfections and make your grace more perfect for all people. In Jesus’ name we pray. Richard McDiffett

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