Devotion:
Read Matthew 7:24-27.
Jesus had just finished what we call his sermon on the mount, a collection of his teachings that span three chapters in Matthew’s gospel. It is important for us to hear Jesus’ admonition to us in today’s passage. He does not tell us to memorize all the verses in his sermon on the mount. He does not tell us to debate these teachings or dissect them, although he would likely have no problem with us discussing his teachings in order to better understand them. But his point in this passage is that we are to put his teachings into practice. It is not enough to know what he taught or even to share with others what he taught. We are to make his teachings part of our lives, guiding our decisions and shaping the way we treat others.
There is both a promise and a warning in this passage. If we indeed put Jesus’ countercultural teachings into practice, we will be able to withstand the trials of this life. But if we do not and place our trust in other things, those things will fail us when the floods of life come. You may want to do what I did after reading this passage…I went back and read through Matthew 5-7 to get refreshed on Jesus’ teachings that we are to put into practice. He never said it would be easy, did he?
Personal Worship Option:
Pray today for the courage and discipline to honor Jesus’ teachings, putting them into practice in your daily life. These are not laws but rather principles for faithful living. Open your heart for Christ’s leading you to boldly follow his teachings.
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