LORD’S DAY, JANUARY 28
Luke 5:27-28
Psalm 84:1-12

“…I had rather be a
doorkeeper in the house of my God,
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

THE CALL OF MATTHEW

Jesus found Matthew in the tax office doing his duty. Luke identified him as Levi (Luke 5:27). As a publican, in other words, a tax collector of the Roman government, the Jewish people treated him as a traitor. A publican was employed to gather public revenue which in Matthew’s case arose from the exportation and importation of commodities being at the “receipt of custom.” While executing his office, the Lord called him to be a follower. He gave up his work to become His disciple. Of all the publicans in Judea, Jesus singled out Matthew to join His band of disciples. This shows the sovereign and distinguishing grace of God to those whom He has ordained even before the foundation of this world. Matthew Henry says, “it was a wonder of his grace that he would call a publican, from the receipt of custom, to be his disciple and follower.”

Matthew followed, leaving his job with its profit. There is no better work than to serve the Lord and there is no better workplace than in the house of God. The psalmist said, “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps 84:10). It was no doubt a hard and difficult decision of self-renunciation to follow a penniless and homeless Teacher in man’s perspective. But as William Bright penned, 

He sat to watch o’er customs paid,
A man of scorned and hard’ning trade;
Alike the symbol and the tool
Of foreign masters’ hated rule.
Who keep Thy gifts, O bid them claim
The steward’s, not the owner’s name;
Who yield all up for Thy dear sake,
Let them of Matthew’s wealth partake.

THOUGHT: Have I received a call from the Lord?
PRAYER: Eternal Father, Thou knowest who belong to Thee even before the foundation of this world. Thou hast ordained some to honour in serving Thee and as Thou callest me unto salvation and service, help me to do all for Thy glory and honour alone.