New Format for 2025... Daily Devotionals from the Whole of God's Word.
Feb. 15, 2025

Day 46 Follow the Leader | Matthew 9:9

Day 46 Follow the Leader | Matthew 9:9

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Could abandoning your current path lead to a life of deeper purpose and fulfillment? Join me, Rick, as we explore a transformative moment from the book of Matthew, where a tax collector named Matthew makes the bold decision to follow Jesus, despite the lucrative allure of his profession. This episode of Wisdom for the Day encourages us to reflect on our own life choices, particularly when they clash with our spiritual convictions. Discover the immense sacrifices that following Christ may demand, and why these sacrifices lead to a return far greater than any earthly reward could offer.

As we journey through these spiritual insights, we'll seek strength and courage through prayer, aiming for moral and spiritual renewal. Let this episode be a source of inspiration, reminding us of the promise of eternal life that awaits those who choose to walk faithfully. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the cost of obedience and the extraordinary fulfillment that comes with living a life in alignment with our faith. Join me tomorrow for more wisdom and guidance, as we continue our path of spiritual growth and inspiration together.

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Transcript
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Welcome to Wisdom for the Day, your daily source for spiritual refreshment and guidance.

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I'm Rick.

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Join me as I dive into God's Word to find clarity and strength for life's challenges.

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Let me help you embrace each day with faith and wisdom, ready to feel inspired.

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Let's get started.

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Today is day 46.

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Follow the leader From the book of Matthew, chapter 9, verse 9.

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Follow me.

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He told them, and Matthew got up and followed him.

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In the ancient Roman world, tax collectors weren't government employees.

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They were part of syndicates that financially exploited ordinary citizens.

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After they prepaid taxes to Rome, tax collectors were free to gouge their fellow citizens.

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They often collected far more than they initially invested.

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Now, given this setup, it's safe to say that Matthew, as a tax collector, was making a significant fortune.

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As a tax collector was making a significant fortune Now.

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Understanding this helps us grasp the magnitude of the decision that Matthew made when Jesus invited him to follow him.

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Now, some of us may face similar decisions about the cost that it costs us to follow Jesus.

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Now maybe we're making money in ways that dishonor him.

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We might be involved in business practices that, while considered smart by worldly standards, we know in our hearts are wrong.

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Now these questionable practices may even create a barrier between us and other believers that make us feel distanced from the community of faith.

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But here's the good news Christ came into the world for people like us.

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He came to restore us to spiritual and moral health.

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Now, while the changes that Jesus asks us may feel like surgery, painful and invasive, it's a necessary part of the healing process, and the sacrifice that he calls us to make is met with an incredible promise.

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Jesus offers an investment policy like no other.

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Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters, or father or mother or children or fields, for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit internal life.

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It's Matthew 19, 29.

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Now, while following Jesus may come at a cost, the return on that investment, both in this life and for eternity, is beyond anything we could imagine.

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Won't you pray with me?

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Is beyond anything we could imagine.

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Won't you pray with me?

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Lord, help us to not be put off by free grace that calls us to costly obedience.

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Heal our moral brokenness, lead us to confess our sins and live faithfully for you, in Jesus' name, amen.

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Well, that's all for today, but I'll be back tomorrow with more of God's Word.

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To listen to past episodes, go to wisdomforthedayorg For free Wisdom of the Day.

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Merch, go to buymeacoffeecom.

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Slash renewedmindsets and consider becoming a community member.

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The executive producer for Wisdom of the Day is Kimmy Shirley.

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Quality control engineer is Yelena McClellan.

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Intro and outro music by Weston McCurry Until tomorrow, I'm Rick.

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I love you, see ya.

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