Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. Welcome to this sanctuary, a haven where we gather to feel the warmth of fellowship and the comforting embrace of our Lord. Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the book of Mark, specifically to chapter 2, verse 14. The words that we find there are a beacon in the storm, a guidepost on the path to righteousness. The scripture reads: "As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. 'Follow me,' Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him."

In this simple yet profound verse, we find the essence of our walk with Christ. The call to follow Him, the immediate response of Levi, and the subsequent change in his life, all speak to us today, urging us to pursue righteousness, perceive God's call, and practice repentance and redemption.

Pursuing the Path of Righteousness

Righteousness, in its simplest form, is about doing what is right in the eyes of God. It's about aligning our actions, our thoughts, and our hearts with God's will. This pursuit is not a passive one. It requires action, commitment, and a willingness to change. It's about actively seeking to understand God's will and then making the conscious decision to live in accordance with it.

Levi's decision to follow Jesus was the first step in his pursuit of righteousness. He left behind his old life, his old ways, and embarked on a new path. This path was not an easy one. It required him to leave behind what was familiar and comfortable. It required him to step into the unknown. Yet, Levi was willing to take that step because he understood that following Jesus was the only way to truly live a righteous life.

The pursuit of righteousness also requires a willingness to learn. When Levi chose to follow Jesus, he didn't just leave behind his old life. He also committed to learning from Jesus, to understanding His teachings, and to applying those teachings in his own life. This willingness to learn is a crucial aspect of the pursuit of righteousness. It's about recognizing that we don't have all the answers and that we need Jesus to guide us.

Levi's story also teaches us about the transformative power of righteousness. When Levi chose to follow Jesus, his life was transformed. He went from being a tax collector, a profession that was despised by many, to being a disciple of Jesus. This transformation was not just about his profession. It was about his entire life. His priorities changed, his actions changed, and his heart changed. This transformation is a testament to the power of righteousness, to the power of living in accordance with God's will.

Finally, Levi's story reminds us that the pursuit of righteousness is a lifelong commitment. It's not something that we can achieve overnight. It's a journey that requires constant effort, constant learning, and constant growth. Yet, it's a journey that's worth undertaking. For in the pursuit of righteousness, we find purpose, meaning, and fulfillment.

Perceiving the Call of God

The call of God is not a whisper in the wind, a vague notion, or a fleeting thought ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO