Matthew 12:18-21 “Look at My Servant, whom I have chosen. He is My Beloved, who pleases Me. I will put My Spirit upon Him, and He will proclaim justice to the nations. He will not fight or shout or raise His voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle. Finally, He will cause justice to be victorious. And His name will be the hope of all the world.”
As Matthew followed Jesus and witnessed how He lived and served those around Him – particularly in how Jesus treated him – he came to understand that character in Jesus. Matthew, a despised tax collector, must have been enthralled when Jesus called him to be part of His mission! He quit his successful job right away to join Christ. Never again would his life be the same.
“How could God accept me when everyone around me despises me?” must have been Matthew’s thought. In all honesty, Matthew probably hated himself. “How could I make a living by endorsing the oppression of the Romans to the detriment of my own people?” It must have been impossible for him to even dream of being accepted by his fellow Jews at this point. Then Jesus arrived! He was really unique. Unlike the others, He did not yell, fight, or even raise His voice at Matthew. He was able to peer right into Matthew’s heart and sensed his desire to be liked and accepted as well as to be saved. God loves us even when we don’t feel worthy of love!
Matthew embraced the acceptance and love of God’s chosen Servant that Isaiah spoke about. He had a kind but fair nature. Unlike other religious leaders, Jesus conveyed the truth in love. Even though Matthew was hurt, damaged, and probably burned out from religion, Jesus didn’t ignore Matthew’s feelings or write him off as unredeemable. Matthew was a tax collector, and He urged him to follow Him! Unbelievable! This really has to be the Messiah who Isaiah prophesied would arrive – someone who wouldn’t put out a flickering flame or crush the weakest reed!
Maybe you feel like a weak read or a flickering candle. Maybe as a result of poor decisions, you’re damaged and battered, and you feel worthless. God is not out to step on you or toss you aside. He’s calling you today, “Follow Me.” He has a hope and future for you with purpose just as He did for Matthew. Allow Him to tenderly embrace you and heal your wounded heart. Your hope for a fresh start is the hope of the entire globe!