In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue. You likely did not 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 history of the world. Life’s journey sometimes takes us to unexpected places.
Unexpected Change
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 (tax collector). Before Matthew was called to follow Christ he had a steady job collecting taxes for the Roman government. But when Jesus called Matthew he immediately got up to follow (Matt. 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 (Gal. 2:20). Whether it’s a career you must leave, a habit that must be broken, or a lifestyle that must be forsaken these temporal things do not compare to the rich blessings of Christ (Rom. 2:4; Eph. 1:3-7).
Unexpected Unity
Many Jews, who despised being under Roman rule, came to hate the publicans and saw them as traitors to the nation of Judah. 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. 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 about everything, but I must not allow earthly distinctions to distract me from a common goal (John 17:20-21).
Unexpected Impact
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). 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 (Matt. 1:1-17). This work was critical to proving that Jesus is the Christ promised by God.
Life doesn’t always go the way we expect but that does not mean it will not go the way God desires. 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.
-Ross Haffner