Devotion:
Out of the entire Sermon on the Mount, this might be the toughest of Jesus’ teachings. We have been told earlier in Matthew that the wide gate and the broad road are full of people who have rejected God and have gone their own way. Jesus warned us to be on guard against leaders who teach with improper motives. But there are also people on that road who think they are right with the Lord, people who appear to be doing the right things. In this passage he warns us to be on guard against people who appear to follow Jesus but are actually far from him. It’s possible to say all the right things and sound very spiritual. We may speak in pious language, and criticize all that is wrong in our world. We may even busy ourselves with religious activities—all in the name of Jesus. Yet on the day of Jesus’ return, the sobering reality is that some will be sent away because he doesn’t know them.
The most important thing about us isn’t how many times we have attended church, how much we have volunteered, or how much money we have given. The most important thing is knowing, and being known by Jesus. This means losing our lives in him and putting our agenda aside so that we can honestly say, “Not my will, but yours be done”.
Personal Worship Option:
Jesus is seeking everyone, both in and outside of the church. Is my faith genuine? Am I on the right path? Do I really know him? And does he really know me? Dear God, show me where I may be holding back, and help me to serve you wholly in all that I do. Amen.
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