Our scripture for the Daily Devotional today is taken from Matthew 7:15-23. Our religious activities and judgments have created a ledger book that balances good and bad. The society also weights the actions of us to come up with a “good” or “bad” verdict!
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
True and False Disciples
21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’“
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Will you be sent away?
In the scripture above, Jesus does not send away the “evildoers” because of their actions or sins. No, Jesus sends the people away because He “never knew you.” To me, this is a very scary reminder of the reality of my salvation. It begs the question of what truly is our salvation.
We all know in our minds that we are saved by grace. Not our works and efforts for the Kingdom of God. No matter what miracles you perform or how many sinners prayers that you pray with others, our salvation is available only by receiving the saving grace of Jesus. The death of Jesus on the cross has paid for all of my sins, and all of yours.
This scripture though goes beyond the grace and delves into a relationship. Does God know me? Do I know God? I certainly do not want to be chased from the presence of my Lord and creator, and so I wonder about how I can get to know Jesus better. How can He know me better?
Let’s Pray
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you, Jesus, that You love and have paid for our salvation. I can but only enter Your courts and presence by the precious blood that You poured out for us. I do though want to know and be known by You. Help me by Your Holy Spirit to know You more!
In Jesus Name,
Amen