Thursday, March 25, 2010

Naming Jesus Lord

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 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 perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
Matthew 7:21-23

Signs and wonders are no substitute for a submissive spirit. Some of those who lead the flock astray have become so enamored of God’s gifts that they have forgotten God’s grace. They may, in the name of Jesus, be able to perform spectacular signs. They may have the gift of prophesy, or power over evil spirits; they may be able to perform what some call miracles. But, when they come before the father’s throne on judgment day, they will not be able to enter the Kingdom of heaven. They may cry aloud, “Lord, Lord!” but if they have not done the will of their heavenly Father, He will not know them. He will turn them away.[1]

It is by faith that we are saved; and faith is known by the fruit of obedience which leads to a sanctified life. Yet, these people substitute gifts for grace. They want the spectacular fruit, but they ignore the soil in which the fruit is to grow. Whether or not they realize it, they end up stoking their own egos instead of giving credit where it is due. Their ministry is all about what they have done. Their accomplishments are heralded in the press and proclaimed from the pulpit. They grow fond of adulation. Foolishly, they allow themselves to bask in praise that is not theirs. But, in the end, they have received their reward. They expect to be made welcome in heaven. Trumpets and angels will welcome them and a grateful God will embrace them, or so they believe. They can almost hear the applause, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest.”[2] But the reality will be very different. Instead of a hero’s welcome, they will find themselves turned away.

What do we learn? We learn that we can be outwardly religious – regular in worship, generous in giving – but if we think that our faith is all about us, then we are mistaken. Our faith is, first and foremost, about who we are as children of the living God, redeemed by grace; it is only, secondly, about what we do. Those who follow Jesus must be careful not to steal His glory. No one deserves our adoration, save Him.





Lord God,
When I am blinded by the bright lights,
lead me to the cross.
When I am attracted by the spectacular and ignore the Savior,
take me to Calvary.
There, in awe and wonder, may I kneel before love made flesh.
May I rise to bow before no other king, save Jesus Christ my Lord.
Amen.

[1] II Timothy 2:19
[2] Matthew 25:23