Words no one wants to hear!
Scripture reading for April 14th: Matthew 7, Psalm 75, Proverbs 13
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. On 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 mighty works in Your Name?’ And then will I declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.””
As Jesus concluded His teaching on the blessed life of the kingdom, He warned His followers against going through the motions with outward show but lacking a true relationship with God through grace and faith. At the final judgment, many would come expecting a reward, only to be declared unfit to enter into the Father’s kingdom and eternal inheritance. They would call Jesus their ‘Lord’, but Jesus would declare that He never was personally acquainted with them. All their ‘good’ religious works were done to please others or earn favor with God. God has an appointed judgment and He will execute judgment with perfect equity. He has forewarned us about presumption and religious performance.
Psalm 75:1, 6-7 “”At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity.” . . . “For not from the east or from the west and not from the wilderness comes lifting up, but it is God Who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your perfect love and also for promised perfect justice. I humbly ask You for mercy through faith in Your Son Jesus Christ. I invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in me and guide me in Your ways and in deepening knowledge and relationship with You. May none of my family, friends or neighbors hear the fearful declaration: ‘I never knew you.’
Proverbs 13:14 “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”
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