MATTHEW: From Tax 2 Text

WORD@WORK MEDITATION

BOOK OF MATTHEW

“From Tax to Text”

In the new & significant year of 2011, we are starting a new series of Marketplace Word@Work meditations from the New Testament. This is in preparation of our first Bible Forum in March on the Book of Matthew.

Matthew, The Man

His given name was “Levi” which means “joined, bond” (Genesis 29:34). When Jesus called him, there was a name change to “Matthew” meaning “Gift of God” (Matt.9:9) for truly it is only the grace of God that allows a social outcast to ascend to the exalted rank of apostleship.

Matthew’s Hometown :

Capernaum of Galilee, City of Great Light was the base of Jesus’ public ministry (Matt. 4:12-16)

Whether it was Matthew’s place of birth or where he grew up, it was his chosen place of work. His tax office was prominently positioned at the city gate. Nevertheless, it was not this “state of the art” office that drew the Master’s attention. It was the state of his heart.

Matthew’s Chosen Career

He bought into the tax collection franchise of King Herod Antipas. It was a hated profession greatly despised by his fellow citizens. Over zealous tax agents often overcharged the people to line up their pockets. One author observed that when Jesus called Matthew, it seemed like an act of insanity. But Jesus saw the potential of a “new” Matthew serving God & people in the marketplace.

So, Matthew embraced a challenging career change & joined the apostolic “firm” of Jesus that took him finally to places like Ethiopia & Macedonia where it is believed to be where he ended his days.

Matthew’s Passion

He was an avid student of the Hebrew Scriptures specializing in the prophecies on the coming of the Messiah.

Matthew’s Turning Point

God’s opportune moment for Matthew came that day when Jesus came by his tax booth and issued him the compelling invitation to join his team. Up to that point, it is not hard to guess that he was becoming increasingly disillusioned with his life & career. Though financially rewarding, the life & job of a tax collector was socially & emotionally fatal. The ugly stigma of a betrayer, traitor, and exploiter had become unbearable.

Was it then that in the dark night of his soul, he turned to the consolation of the scriptures and began to yearn for the promised coming of the Messiah who would liberate His people from the yoke of foreign power and the evils of a corrupt system of which he was also a guilty party! “Oh, that the Messiah would come and liberate us, liberate me!”

Matthew, The Marketplace Minister

Banquet Outreach

Immediately after the call of Jesus, Matthew left his hated tax office. He invited Jesus to his home for a grand dinner. He was not about to keep this momentous event under wraps. His dinner guest list probably included most of the R-rated segment of the Capernaum society – “tax collectors & sinners.” But would Jesus attend? According to one commentator, Jesus’ positive acceptance & attendance at Matthew’s dinner was an act of grace & mercy. Jesus cared more for Matthew as a person than for his own reputation! Did this historic event later influence the conversion of another notorious tax collector, Zacchaeus of Jericho?

Media Outreach

Matthew shifted the focus of his pen from figures to facts. His passion for study, research and writing produced an everlasting print tribute to the outstanding life & work of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

Matthew's Gospel has been called "the most important book in the world" (Renan), and "the most successful book ever written" (Goodspeed). (see www.christianity.co.nz/ eye-4.htm)

CLOSING CHALLENGE

In today’s overpowering influence of graphic media, is there place for print media to effect a meaningful impact in today’s marketplace of ideas? The answer is a big ‘YES!” Graphic media is a limited 3-D portal. In contrast, words unbridled is a 4-D experience with a height dimension where our minds stirred & stimulated can soar to lofty vistas & heavenly horizons!

It is interesting that some believe that in the kingdom of God we will travel at the speed of thought not just the speed of light or sound! For 2011, pick up your pen, click on your keyboard and publish the glad tidings of Emmanuel, God is with us!

By Abraham Gan

……read to be wise…write to be precise….

Marketplace Penang Office: 24 Puncak Bukit Mutiara Satu. Hosting Residence: Desa Mas #3-8, Pulau Tikus Email: abrahamgan@hotmail.com Tel: 016-4428080 (AG) 016-4988447(IG)