Scripture: Matthew 7:7-12, 21-23
Dear Church,
When I am confused and scared and discouraged, I run to the promises of Jesus.
I remind myself that he said, ‘All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away’ or ”Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ or ‘I go away to prepare a place for you’ or ‘do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear…Your Father in Heaven knows you need these things…but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’
I find hope and comfort in these words because I believe Jesus said them and I believe Jesus meant what he said.
Eugene Peterson translates Matthew 7:21-23, the portion of the Sermon on the Mount we are pondering this week, like this:
Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our super-spiritual projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here.’
Though these words neither comfort nor reassure me, I believe Jesus meant what he said here as well.
Jesus tells us that serious obedience is required of true disciples. A true disciple isn’t the one who worships every week or studies scripture intensely or gives to charity. Worship and scripture and generosity are good gifts from God. But they are not a substitute for following Jesus.
These words of Jesus are profoundly unsettling–and I believe that is how they so deeply bless us.
I hope you’ll join me as we hear the good news of Jesus’ promises for those who desire to be true disciples.
Peace,
Pastor Kate
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