Matthew 7:21-29 (NRSV)
Read Matthew 7:21-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 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 in heaven. Verse 22On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?' Verse 23Then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; go away from me, you evildoers.' Verse 24"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. Verse 25The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. Verse 26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. Verse 27The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell-and great was its fall!" Verse 28Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, Verse 29for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.
Devotion
Those who travel in cars are advised to wear seat belts. The word is out. We can hardly miss the advice to “buckle up.” Many heed this word. Still, there are those who hear the warning to “click it or ticket,” but who seem to have other -- more important? -- things on their mind.
Jesus spoke of a wise person who hears His words and does them. This person hears that by means of God’s grand and marvelous strategy, God’s Son has made it possible for everything from mistakes to murders to be forgiven. We have the opportunity for a new beginning and a new life. When anybody allows this word to be a vital part of her or his life, then that person is “doing” Jesus’ word. That wise person is building her or his life on the solid rock. God’s word of forgiveness helps us to stand against many of life’s storms.
Prayer
Jesus, we may hear words about you, but they often go in one ear and out the other. May your Spirit help us to hold on to these words of life as they come to us. In Your Name, Amen.