A Matthew-Response

When the boys were young, they loved to explore the woods behind our house. Yes, it made this Mama a bit nervous so the rule was they should stay within sight of the house.  Matthew is named among Jesus’ disciples in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts but we know little else about him. Here’s what we do know: “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man named Matthew (Levi) sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ And Matthew got up and followed Him.” (Matthew 9:9). No fireworks or razzle-dazzle, just “got up and followed.” Simple obedience. An irresistibility to the Call of Christ.  As the boys got older, they would venture deeper into the woods – out of sight of the house but within the sound of my voice [when I called to them]. Jesus said, “The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27).  Do you know The Master’s Voice when you hear It?  When you hear It, do you respond in obedience?  Oh, how we all need a Matthew-response!