Concerning Monastic Vows – part 34

Scripture Text: Matthew 9:9

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Matthew 9:9

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning Monastic Vows 

An example of obedience in one’s calling is presented in this passage. And since callings vary, this calling does not apply to everyone, but to that person with whom Christ is speaking. We see that the calls of David to reign, and of Abraham to slay his son, are not our calls to imitate. Callings are personal, just as matters of business vary with times and persons. Yet the example of obedience is general. Perfection would have been his if that young man had believed and obeyed his calling. Even so, it is perfection for each one to obey his own calling with true faith.

Pulling It Together: Jesus saw Matthew, a tax collector, and told him to follow: to be his disciple. How would there have been perfection if Matthew continued to sit there? If he persisted at his government post, it would have been disobedience to the Lord. Even more, there would be no perfection, no improvement. How could there have been any advancement if he just sat there doing the same thing? Jesus tells us, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He asks, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). Perfection lies in having faith in the Lord who gives the call.

Prayer: Give me such courageous faith, Lord, that I obey you. Amen.

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