There is a show on the National Geographic Channel called, The Dog Whisperer. The show's host, Cesar Millan, teaches the distraught owners of disobedient dogs how to handle the pooches so they listen and obey. Millan does not use wacky tricks or secret powers to teach these dogs to listen. Rather, he instructs dog owners how to handle their beloved pets so that they will listen and obey.
Often times, he will take a dog that seem impossible to train and within a matter of minutes, have it walking happily at his side. How does he do it? He gives the dog what it needs: purpose and direction. Dog psychology is amazingly simple.
Human psychology is considerably more complex, of course, but the need of good purpose and safe direction is essential for us all. Before the calling of Matthew by our Lord, his purpose in life was being embezzled by sin and his direction was wandering down the wide path of sin and destruction.
But Jesus says two words to him-two words that changed his life forever: "Follow Me." Matthew got up and followed Him. These two words from our Lord's lips forever changed Matthew's purpose in life and caused him to come follow Jesus- the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus' words of invitation speak to us today through Matthew 9:9 as well. They call us to come and follow Him. We can listen to the voice that says, "Follow Me," because we know that voice as the voice of our Savior. He loves us, calls us, guides us, protects us, and forgives us. He daily enables us to come and follow.
THE PRAYER: Heavenly Father, send Your Holy Spirit to guide and give me purpose so that I can follow Your Son, in whose name I pray. Amen.
By Pastor Matt Wurm
Trinity Lutheran Church
Bemidji, Minnesota
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