Throughout the Bible, God chose men and women to serve as part of His plan. Some answered eagerly, with hearts and minds prepared for the Lord’s work. Some were reluctant—hiding from God, or even disobeying Him. They came from all different backgrounds and classes, showing us that God can choose anyone, even you and me, to serve. 

 

Matthew worked as a publican, collecting taxes from his fellow Jews for the occupying Roman government; as you might guess, he was pretty unpopular in his community. Yet God chose Matthew as one of His disciples, helping to spread Jesus’ message throughout the Middle East and beyond.

 

Matthew 9:9 says, “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.”

 

Jesus begins everyone’s Christian calling with this essential step: “Follow me and be my disciple.” As you prepare your heart to hear the Lord’s call, ask yourself: Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Do you need to recommit yourself to faith at this point in your life? Spend time in God’s Word, the Bible, and in prayer, asking God to choose you, and to use your gifts as He sees fit. 

 

If the desire of your heart is to be called by Jesus, you must begin with this step: follow Him. 

 

Let’s pray. 

 

Lord, make me worthy to be chosen by you, to do your good work here on earth. Help me to follow you in mind, body, and spirit, so that I am prepared to answer when you call. In Jesus’ name, amen.