KEY SCRIPTURES: Matthew 9:9 ISV” As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s desk and told him, “Follow me.” So, he got up and followed him.”

The Lord got to Matthew the tax collector at his duty post, and asked him to follow him. The Bible revealed that Matthew got up and followed Him. This report was given by Matthew himself, so he reported every detail. Jesus as Lord does not appeal and plead with those, He calls to serve Him. His calling doubtless is the most privileged engagement that any man could find himself. This privilege is not necessarily about material gain, but to be in partnership with the Monarch of the universe to perform a special role on earth, in the lives of fellow men. The Lord Jesus described John the Baptist as the greatest man born of a woman, yet the least in the kingdom of God, because the task assigned to him was so important. (Matt 11:10 & 11) He was to prepare the way for the ministry of the Lord Jesus. God’s calling also demands the highest degree of selflessness and a complete dedication. Luke 14:26 ISV “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as his own life, he can’t be my disciple.”

The Lord Jesus in reality is calling everyone to play special role of some kind. The call of the Lord to serve, is deliverance from the power of darkness. Exodus 9:1 ISV” Then the LORD told Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the LORD God of the Hebrews says: “Let my people go so they may serve me.”  The calling of the Israelite from Egypt was fundamentally to set them free from bondage.

 All men were created to bring pleasure to God. Rev 4:11 KJV” Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created”.

It is in the Light of this that everyone must respond promptly to God’s call. What is His call about? To Matthew He asked him to follow Him. God’s call is primarily to follow the master. It is about learning from Him. He is calling you to do as you see Him do, so you would make the best impact in whatever area He called you into.  This involves a very close relationship with Him. There are so many of us who have a religious relationship with Jesus rather than a personal relationship with Him.

What is the difference between a religious relationship and a personal relationship? A religious relationship is one who observes ceremonies, laws and certain practices of the faith without a personal knowledge of Christ presence with him always, and a corresponding subjection of his will to Him. Such people are also not committed to evangelizing and raising up the converts in the faith. Those who are involved in a personal relationship do the later. The religious relationship ones would be present in church, yet he has no restrain from certain indulgence. He argues about why the Christian should not drink alcohol, and does get intoxicated on certain occasions. Dear one the call of the Lord is not a religious one. It is to have a personal relationship with the master.  It is a call to make Him Lord, because He has the final word in your life.

Jesus is calling you. Have you responded? If you have, is it a religious relationship or a personal relationship response?

CONFESSION

Lord Jesus I yield to your call to follow you. I subject my will to yours always. Your instructions are always superior to every other wish or word from any other person. You are indeed the Lord of my life.

FURTHER STUDIES

Matthew 7:21 KJV” Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven”.

Matthew 16:24 KJV” Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”