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
If you only think about Jesus, or only believe in the existence of Jesus, or just know things about Jesus, then chances are not much new or transforming will happen in your life. We don’t often think ourselves into new living; rather we live ourselves into new thinking. We don’t often convert ourselves! Most often it’s the rod and staff of the Shepherd Spirit of God that does the converting. We just allow it.
Our scripture today is clear that it’s not just our telling Christianity that fills hearts and churches but also our showing Christianity, our “goodness” and “mercy” that wins hearts over to the Lord’s way. Yes, children’s education has it right – it is “show and tell” time.
Prayer
Let us pray: Lord, make it well for me. May your Word instruct and empower me to come to you and help make it well for all. Amen.