Not everyone who calls me Lord

Not everyone who calls me Lord

Scripture:

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23

Observation:

In this chilling passage, the Lord reminds us not to ever take our salvation for granted. Of those who call Jesus Lord, there are two groups. The first group does the will of our Father God in Heaven. Instead of doers of evil, they are doers of good. They really know Jesus as He truly is and Jesus knows them. It is they who will enter Heaven.

The second group who call Jesus Lord can claim evidence of miracles and prophecy in the Lord’s name among their deeds. Yet, they are called evildoers, and Jesus says that He never knew them. They do not do the will of God the Father and they will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.

Again, we are reminded not to be taken in so much by the outward appearance of things but look deeper.

Application:

What are the main things we need to focus on in our Christian lives? To seek God the Father’s will, to seek to really know Jesus in a close personal relationship and to shun evil. Prophecy and signs and wonders are great gifts to the church, but we are not to run after these things as evidence of God’s presence. As they come, they come and we praise God, but the core important thing in our lives is to seek God’s will, know Christ intimately and stay away from evil.

Prayer:

Praise thee, Father in Heaven, for You hold all things in Your hands. Let my heart always seek Your will, I pray, Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Teach me to walk in Your will and Your presence day by day, even as I follow You, Lord Jesus. Keep me far from evil I pray, lead me to do good things, even as I seek Your reality in my life. In Jesus name, Amen.