BEING KNOWN BY GOD

-as much as we want to know God more, God also wants to know us more thoroughly and accurately

-we may claim tt we know God, but does God really knows us?

there is a possibility tt in our pursuit, us wanting to do great things for God... we also have to be known by God

a person known by God

1. has identity in Christ

-one has a name, whereas the rich man name is unknown

   -this difference cos of the identity

-wealth of the rich man does not prevent him from going to paradise... but his identity

-well known on earth, but completely nameless in heaven

-dont get self-worth by works, esteem by being better than others

   -its is not sustainable... we will fall into a trap that we will feel a failure if we did not accomplish anything...and this will destroy us

one who has his/her identity remain intact even if we pursuit success

2. choose to submit and obey God's will

-do we submit the situation or do we choose to take control over the situation on our own?

   -if we are arrogant, it will not please God

a person loved by God is one who still trust and love God even if prayers is not yet answered

-Jesus chose to submit fully to God

-Jesus chose maturity over miracles

-Jesus chose to stay instead of running away

3. cares for the poor and the marginalized

show compassion to others is regarded as God as doing for Him (doing on His behalf)

showing kindness is the least we can do to show tt we are the child of God

-the Pharisees look down at the poor

-give out of compassion, out of genuine kindness...

-not give to sneer at others, out of pity

RESPONDING TO THE CALL OF GOD

-tax collectors were hated by the Jews... they were considered the worst sinners with no conscious

-Jesus saw Levi stilling in the tax office

-Levi is indifferent and have zero interest in Jesus

-Jesus didnt call anyone from the crowd, who is passionate abt God

1. drawing of God

-by ourselves, we are blind...

   -unless the Lord draws ppl to Himself, no one can know Him

      -it is God's grace that draw us to follow Jesus

the drawing is like a door knock

-Levi was rich in wealth, obsessed with money.. but he didnt realize tt he is naked

even if he see ppl are so passionate, he is indifferent

-the moment Jesus called Levi, it became the turning point of his life

-unless God draws us, we cant know God.... thus we need to give God our attention!

-make time and give God space

first is the drawing, then running

2. respond immediately

initially, Levi was sitting... but when Jesus called, he left everything and followed Jesus

great feast is costly and Levi and afford it!

previously, money and status ruled his life

-attitude, thinking

-Levi didnt negotiate with Jesus... Levi's response is immediate, unconditional, absolute surrender

every often we hear Jesus, but we will say "Jesus, wait let me do what i want to do first", "Jesus, im not ready"

dont take our relationship with God for granted!

3 benefits of surrendering our life to Jesus

1. for our own benefit

we need to give up our own sinful lifestyle... but we will receive eternal life

2. for other's benefit

Levi invited all his tax collector friends and Jesus to his house... he wants them to hear Jesus!

3. for Jesus' sake

-nothing can compare to this benefit... gain intimacy with Jesus

-its a privilege... cos the drawing is only from God

Jesus is our greatest reward

all Levi wanted was Jesus... how will he know that will write the gospel of Matthew

ppl are criticizing Jesus that He went and dine with sinners... but Jesus responded