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“….First Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother; Phillip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector…….” Matthew 10:2a-3a (ESV)

Love the way Matthew reminds us of who he once was. He doesn’t hide behind his new title Disciple of Christ or tag it “close friend of Jesus.” He puts it right out there where we can’t miss it. In the line up of the twelve, we find these words: “Matthew the tax collector.” Two simple words that defined the old Matthew. A title that denoted an untrustworthy reputation – tax collectors who were hated by the Jews because of their greed and dishonesty. Yet Jesus’ invitation changed everything – the title Matthew once bore, the prestige, security and wealth all cast aside. He chose to leave it all behind to follow Jesus; the former tax collector radically transformed now collecting souls for the kingdom.

Wonder if we could be so truthful about the old us before our Jesus rescue? A title we all bear from the moment we took our first breath – sinners desperately in need of a Savior. Lost and wandering in the pursuit of many things yet totally empty – searching for significance. A tainted reputation, void of character and integrity. Failures, mistakes and a long list of wrongs. Would we dare remind ourselves and others that were it not for His grace, we would still be darkened by this world? Are we brave enough to remember who we once were so we can humbly draw others to Jesus?

Sinners saved by grace – just ordinary women redeemed and restored filled with a passion to shed light on our path. Let’s leave everything behind and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Let’s boldly proclaim where we came from and where He brought us so that others will know Him too. Let’s never forget His amazing grace that saved a wretch like us. Let’s be radically transformed and join Matthew in collecting souls for God’s kingdom.

“Father, I remember who I was before You saved me – I remember the moment You forgave me and the sweetness of Your grace overflowing me. Help me to never grow weary in telling that story.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life