"For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the
law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to
what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the
new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." (Rom 7:5-6,
NIV2)
Matthew Talbot, born May 2nd, 1856, was an ordinary Irish laborer. He had no
education, hardly any possessions, and no outstanding accomplishments. He lived
in poverty and died alone on a lonely street in Dublin, with no one to encourage
him.
Hardly anyone knew anything about Matthew. He was a complete unknown to society.
Nonetheless, six months after his death, his brief biography sold over a hundred
twenty thousand copies, and a year later, his biography was published in twelve
languages. Five years after his death, the Vatican considered him for sainthood,
and in the end, they bestowed him with the title "Venerable".
How could such an unknown and lonely individual ever become so famous? Let us
turn back in time and discover what attracted so many people to him after his
death.
When Matthew turned twelve years of age, he began to drink alcohol. It wasn't a
new thing for him, for his father and most of his brothers were all alcoholics, and it
wasn't long before alcohol became his obsession too. He spent all his earnings
on this liquid, and when he was drunk, which was more often than not, he became
extremely hot-tempered, swore constantly, and engaged himself in many fights. In
all, he was a vicious little lad.
Because all his earnings went to alcohol, he had to start taking out credit to
keep himself supplied with his obsession. He even sold his boots to buy the
drink, and it wasn't long before he began to steal to support his habit.
One day, when completely broke, he waited for his "friends", who were just
leaving work. It was pay day, and he hoped they would invite him to join them on
their drinking binge. Unfortunately, they passed him by as if he weren't even
there. He went back home, but his sense of rejection made him begin to analyze his
life. Was that truly a worthwhile life he was leading? Was there any purpose in
what he was doing?
He came to his senses then, and he tuned to God for guidance. Convinced that
alcohol was not his friend, Matthew gave himself fully to God and begged Him for
freedom from this alluring drink. He discovered the truth in Jesus' promise:
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door
will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and
to him who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)
Instead of becoming absorbed in himself, Matthew experienced God like never
before. Alcohol was no longer his master, and his life changed in other ways as
well. He stopped swearing, and he began to wear a permanent and genuine smile.
After all, how could he do anything but smile when God had shown him so much
mercy and grace?
He continued to work, and to the complete amazement of his creditors, he used
his earnings to pay back his debts. He lived modestly in a spartan home. His
focus now was geared on the One who saved him, the One who was his only true
friend.
When Matthew died on that lonely street in Dublin, he found himself surrounded
by angels, leading him to his real home in heaven. How he rejoiced that he would
soon see His Heavenly Father personally.
Where are you heading?
You, too, can become famous in heaven!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.