Matthew 9:9 – As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
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I have no idea if Matthew ever really knew Jesus before this encounter. Had he seen Jesus’ miracles yet or not? I’m not really sure. This I am certain of, though, as I read this passage this morning. Jesus called, and Matthew moved. When the voice of the Lord came, Matthew was immediately willing to stand up, leave behind his career, and follow Jesus.
Today, I too can hear the voice of God. This is not through some sort of mystical means. I’m not hearing God’s voice through trances, meditation, or ecstatic utterances. No, I have the clear words of God written down for me in his book. They are sure, solid, and trustworthy. When I read the Bible, I hear God’s voice.
O Lord, help me to be at least in one way like Matthew. Help me to hear your voice and to respond immediately. Let me not dilly-dally. Let me not argue with you. Let me not question you. Instead, let me read your perfect and perfectly inspired word, and let me obey. I acknowledge that, where the scripture speaks, you speak. I hear your voice. Let me do what it says.
Pastor Travis Peterson 