7th Day of Lent
Getting Up and Going
Jesus said, "Follow me." And Matthew rose and followed him.  Matthew 9:9

Some years ago I heard Pastor Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church speak.  Willow Creek is a nationally known mega church in South Barrington, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.  When asked what was most important to him about Willow Creek and his ministry he gave an interesting response.  It was not the number of people that gathered each weekend for services.  It was not the impressive number of programs they offer in the congregation and community.  Rather, his response was, "One changed life."  What matters most of all to him is "one changed life," a life changed by the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ. 

Matthew the tax collector was "one changed life."  He gave up his old life to become a disciple of Jesus.  What all went into the decision he made?  We don't know.  But what we do know is that he gave up the old to receive the new.  I, too, love to see the changed life that happens when a person receives Christ by faith and begins the path of discipleship.  I also know that we all have the opportunity for fresh starts and new beginnings.  Praise God for the good news of new beginnings, made possible by the gift of grace given to us by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.