Although this quote occurred 1700 years after Christ, it was a truth that Matthew the tax collector held onto. Before meeting Christ, he was an enemy to his own people. On behalf of the Roman government, he was collecting taxes from his own people and keeping his own cut. His provision was almost certainly guaranteed because the taxes were not throttled by supply and demand, the harvest, or the elements.

But one day, while he was at his post, a man saw him and called to him by name.

Full stop and repeat.

But one day, while he was at his post, a man saw him and called to him by name.

Matthew was not seeking a better way for his life. He was living his life as he saw the best fit when Jesus was walking by. Jesus took notice of him and called to Matthew by name. There was not a qualifying act or a trial of time to provide proof of Matthew’s worth to follow Jesus.

While we were yet sinners and enemies of God, He called out to us and rescued us.

If the only thing you are sure of today is death and taxes, I pray you toconsider adding Jesus as another certainty to your life.

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.

Matthew 9:9