First in His Books
I’ve talked about me not being the “cool” girl growing up. I didn’t play sports, wasn’t on the drill team, didn’t even consider trying out for cheerleading because it seemed I had two left feet.
I watched a show last Spring called “Beyond the Edge” (sort of like “Survivor”) and celebrities were the “castaways”. Each time they chose their teams for their next challenge, Paulina Porizkova (a gorgeous, but older supermodel) wasn’t the agile, sports type and was always the last one to be chosen for a team. I know how she felt. I was the last one picked for dodge ball or red rover, or jump rope or any other game affiliated with sports.
In my head I was always saying: “Pick me! Choose me! Please!” I so wanted to belong. Maybe, you, too, had the desire to belong and you had similar feelings in your childhood — the yearning to be known, seen, and chosen — or even right now, today!
Fortunately, I grew out of my inhibitions, introvertness, and awkwardness. But, I still have the yearning for belonging to this or that group or this or that connection. The truth is we are all made for belonging, for love, just as we are.
And Jesus is that connector! We belong as we “remain in His love….so that His joy might be in us, and our joy might be complete.” (John 15:9,11) Remaining looks like staying near to Jesus and trusting in His promises.
Maybe you saw “The Chosen” series. If you haven’t, you should. It will awake your senses in a new way of seeing Jesus! I remember Matthew was depicted as a sleezy tax collector – sort of a weakling, and certainly not among who you would think would become a disciple.
Here’s what impressed me in “The Chosen”. Matthew stayed close to Jesus and He found himself belong there. He had been a dishonest tax collector driven by greed until Jesus Christ chose him as a disciple.
God can use anyone to help him in His work. We should not feel unqualified because of our appearance, lack of education, or our past. Jesus looks for sincere commitment. We should also remember that the highest calling in life is serving God, no matter what the world says. Money, fame, and power cannot compare with being a follower of Jesus Christ.
On the same day Jesus invited Matthew to follow him, Matthew threw a great farewell feast in his home in Capernaum, inviting his friends so they could meet Jesus too. From that time on, instead of collecting tax money, Matthew collected souls for the kingdom of God.
Matthew was uniquely qualified to be a disciple. He was an accurate record keeper and keen observer of people. He captured the smallest details. He displayed one of the most radically changed lives in the Bible in response to an invitation from Jesus. He didn’t hesitate; he did not look back. He left behind a life of wealth and security for poverty and uncertainty.
Matthew recorded a detailed account of Jesus’ life, the story of his birth, his message, and his many deeds in the Gospel of Matthew. He also served as a missionary, spreading the good news to other countries. He was loyal to Jesus and he never wavered in serving the Lord.
Maybe it’s okay if we’re not the “cool kids” and have the yearning to be known, seen and chosen. The good news is WE ARE known, seen and chosen and are Christ’s followers too! Each day He’s calling us to follow Him. “Yes, Lord! Pick me!” And, He did! What a privilege it is!