Matthew, Christopher Columbus, and the Christian

In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. You likely didn’t need that sentence finished for you. Christopher Columbus played an important role in the discovery of the American continents. Though looking for a more convenient route to Asia, he discovered a new land that would dramatically change the world’s history. Life’s journey sometimes takes us to unexpected places. As a Christian we must take stock of our lives as Paul commanded, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (II Corinthians 13:5).

Things don’t always work out as we expect. Consider the life of Matthew. He was one of the twelve listed in Matthew 10:3. However it is noted that he was a publican, or tax collector. Before Matthew was called to follow Christ he had a steady job collecting taxes for the Roman government. But when Jesus calls Matthew he immediately gets up to follow (Matthew 9:9). Jesus can, and should, have an impact on our lives. When we obey the gospel, we are giving up our lives to live for Him (Galatians 2:20). Whether it’s a career you must leave, a habit that must be broken, or a lifestyle that must be forsook these temporal things do not compare to the rich blessings of Christ (Romans 2:4; Ephesians 1:7).

Many Jews, who despised being under Roman rule, came to hate the publicans and saw them as traitors to the nation of Judah. Zacchaeus, also a tax collector, admitted to using his office to take extra taxes for himself (Luke 19:8). One wonders if Matthew was involved in such things. It is interesting that of the twelve we have Matthew, an employee of Rome, and Simon the zealot (Luke 6:15). The zealots were the most fervent in their hatred for Rome. They hoped for war that could overthrow Rome and Judah would reclaim its power in Canaan. Who would have thought that Matthew and Simon would become coworkers for the cause of Christ? I may not always get along with my brethren, but I must not allow earthly distinctions to distract me from a common goal (John 17:20-21).

Sometimes God’s will makes perfect sense to us. For example in the case of Paul the apostle, our Lord sent him to preach primarily to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). It makes sense that Paul would work better in Gentile nations because of his history in Judea. Formerly known as Saul, he was a part of the Jewish council that had Stephen killed, and dragged Christians to prison and death. This reputation followed Saul, even after his conversion to Christ, and had he preached primarily in a Jewish area it could have hindered the gospel. Other times God’s will may not make as much sense to us. In no way would this mean that God is any less wise for He made foolish the wisdom of the world (I Corinthians 1:20). With a history of working for Rome as a publican one might think that Matthew was a poor choice to reach the Jews with the gospel. But it is Matthew who is chosen to write the gospel account most scholars agree is meant for the Jews. Special attention is paid in Matthew’s account to the seed promise and Jesus’ line back to Abraham (Matthew 1). This work is critical to prove that Jesus is the Christ promised by God. As we look to the work of the kingdom left for us we may feel inadequate. Perhaps even those more confident might look for someone better to accomplish the task. May we remember the servant who is rebuked for fear and that it is the cowardly who will find their part in the lake of fire and brimstone (Matthew 25:25; Revelation 21:8).

Life doesn’t always go the way we expect but that does not mean it wont go the way God expects. Whether you are faced with the unexpected challenges to change, to work closely with those who make it difficult or to stretch yourself to the task God has left for you, face it with the courage to do what is right.