Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12, 15-20
Dear Church,
Sometimes the words of Jesus soothe, and sometimes they sear. This Sunday, we will pick up where we left off last week in the sermon on the mount and consider this teaching from our Lord:
Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Whatever lies ahead, we will not face it alone.
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for what was coming. They did not understand what was happening, but they knew everything was about to change. They were not frightened for Jesus, they were frightened for themselves. They feared they would not have the strength to be faithful. These are the last words Jesus said to them before he rose from the table:
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
In him, we have peace. This world is exactly what Jesus prepared us for. And like Jesus’ first disciples, we may not always be able to be faithful to Jesus, but Jesus is perfectly faithful to us. We could not face these days alone, but we are not alone. The one who loves us has overcome the world. We were made for such a time as this.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
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