Thursday 3rd October
Read Matthew 7:21-23
“‘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 who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”” (NIVUK)
For many people this is one of the scariest passages in scripture. They panic that they will hear those terrifying words, ‘I never knew you’. For the people who hear those words will be those who, from the outside, tick all the Christian boxes. They will seem to be the most spiritual amongst us, the most blessed. They may have even told you about their amazing acts done for Jesus and the amazing things they have experienced. They sincerely believe that to be the case and boldly tell Jesus on the last day.
But Jesus says those who truly know Him only need meet one criteria. They must obey Him. It is as simple and as challenging as that. For those who know and follow Jesus will walk the narrow way. It is not easy. It requires loving those whom you would rather not. It involves sticking to the truth as revealed by Jesus when one would prefer it was different. Those who rest on their spiritual laurels find both sides of the path challenging, but Jesus promises blessing to those who stick closely to His footsteps (cf Matthew 5:1-12).
