Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
WEDNESDAY, September 21
Matthew 9:9-13. Go and learn what this means, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners.”
Today the church remembers Matthew, one of the first followers and witnesses of Jesus. He is named as one of the twelve apostles. One of the four gospels is written in his name.
Before he followed Jesus, Matthew was a tax collector. He worked for the Roman occupiers of his homeland. He collected the hated taxes from his own oppressed people, probably at an inflated rate so that he could keep more for himself. Tax collectors were despised by their fellow Jews. But Jesus invited him to join his company.
Matthew could hardly believe that anyone could love him or even wish to be around him, much less trust him with a new purpose for his life.
The love of God Jesus expressed to Matthew is the same love God has for each of us. God loves us not because we are good, but because we are God’s creation. God’s mercy includes Matthew, you, me, and everyone else.
Just as Matthew followed Jesus, so we should follow Matthew’s example by reaching out in love to all and sharing this very good news.
PRAY for the Anglican Peace and Justice Network (APJN) and the Diocese of Southern Highlands (Tanzania)
Ps 119:33-40; Proverbs 3:1-6; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
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Mercy: compassionate treatment especially of those under ones power or jurisdiction; a disposition to be kind and forgiving.
Sacrifice: forfeiting something of value as an offering in exchange for favor or thing of greater value.