August 24

And he said unto him, Follow me. — Matthew 9:9.

MATTHEW was a gatherer of those taxes which the Roman government had laid upon goods, landed on the shores of Galilee, and he was busily employed in his profession, when Christ passed by, and said unto him, “Follow me,” when immediately he arose and followed him. How very simple and plain was Christ’s call to Matthew. We find no statement of a learned description, no powerful or eloquent harangue, but Christ just speaks to him, and says, “follow me.” Observe too, how very direct was Christ’s call, — he said, “follow me,” he did not suggest a series of topics for his examination, he did not place before him certain propositions for his future consideration, but he gave him a call, imperative and direct, and “it was, follow me.” Now this call, was the same as if he had said, become my disciple, assume a profession of my religion, abandon all thy pursuits, and be found among those, who receive my instructions, and walk in my steps. And this is what Christ addresses in the gospel to all men. To be a christian is to follow Jesus: to receive the record which hath been given of him, and cordially to accept of it as the message of salvation, — to obey his holy commands, to imitate his blessed example, and to cultivate a spirit like that which he manifested on all occasions. A spirit of devotion towards God, and of universal and ardent benevolence toward men. And Matthew obeyed the call without delay, without hesitation, or carnal reasoning, he left the gathering of taxes to others, and for ever, and became a sincere and devoted servant, and apostle of Jesus Christ. What a striking instance of willing and ready obedience: how deserving of our imitation. When Jesus speaks, it is our duty and interest, with all our souls at once to obey him.