Follow me
So I just read a book loaned to me by our music minister called the Prodigal God by Timothy Keller. It was an incredible book that made me look at the 3 characters in the story known as the Prodigal Son in the story in a whole new way. Then this morning as I sat down to have some Time Alone with God (I call it TAG time, I know that’s cheesy, but I’m a cheesy guy) and I it was my day to read about when Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James, John (the thunder boys), and Matthew to be his disciples. [By the way, I’m following a 30 day plan I got from Elevation Church’s New Thru 30 – you should check it out]
For 4 of these men, Jesus did a sign, helped them catch a ton of fish, for them to believe. They saw that he must have been sent from God and so they followed him. For Matthew, all it took was a phrase. Jesus said follow me and he did.
But as I read the last few verses about Matthew, I was quickly reminded about the book I just finished reading. The Pharisees started on Jesus’ case because he was eating with what they would call “sinners.” Jesus tells them that he’s come for the sick, not the well. Then he says something interesting- “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (M@ 9:13).
I guess I write all this to say, if you are like the younger brother in the story, don’t ever think that you are too far away from the love of God. If you are an older brother, or Pharisee, don’t think that you are good enough on your own to make God love you. We are all sick. We need a healer.
Here's the thing... 
First of all, I never did thank you for my shout in your last most, so my bad and thank you.
Secondly, I’m a HUGE Kellar fan and love that book. If you can get your hands on his bible stud that handles that story, you should take a look. It’s good stuff.