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.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?’Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching,because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Reflection:
In this powerful passage, Jesus presents a sobering truth: it is not enough to merely acknowledge Him with our lips; we must do the will of the Father. Our faith must be reflected in our actions, rooted in obedience and love. Jesus warns us of the danger of empty words and religious pretenses, urging us to examine the foundations of our lives.
Devotion:
Imagine a house built on a solid rock, able to withstand the fiercest storms. The rain may fall, the floods may come, and the winds may blow, but the house remains steadfast. This is the life of someone who not only hears the words of Jesus but also acts on them. It is a life firmly rooted in the truths of the Gospel, grounded in a relationship with Christ.
Conversely, a house built on sand represents a life without true commitment to God’s will. When trials and tribulations come, such a life cannot stand. It collapses because its foundation is weak and unreliable.
Application:
1. Self-Examination: Take a moment to reflect on your life. Are there areas where you are merely saying “Lord, Lord,” without truly living out His commands? Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of inconsistency in your walk with Christ.
2. Obedience in Action: Consider practical ways to align your actions with God’s will. It could be through acts of kindness, forgiveness, or stepping out in faith to serve others. True discipleship is evidenced by our willingness to follow Jesus, even when it is challenging.
3. Foundation Check: Assess the foundation of your faith. Are you building your life on the rock-solid truth of God’s Word? Spend time in Scripture, letting it guide and shape your decisions, attitudes, and actions.
4. Perseverance in Trials: When you face storms in life, remember the promise that a life built on Jesus will not collapse. Trust in His strength and faithfulness, knowing that He will hold you steady through every trial.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We come before You, seeking to align our hearts and lives with Your will. Forgive us for the times we have spoken empty words, without true obedience. Help us to build our lives on the solid rock of Your truth, so that we may stand firm in the face of life’s storms. Strengthen our faith and guide our actions, that we may be true disciples of Jesus, reflecting Your love and grace in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways can you ensure that your actions align with the will of the Father?
2. How can you strengthen your foundation in Christ this week?
3. What specific steps can you take to be a doer of the Word and not just a hearer?
Conclusion:
Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:21-29 challenges us to a deeper, more authentic faith. Let us strive to be wise builders, establishing our lives on the unshakable foundation of His Word. By doing so, we can withstand any storm and live out our calling as true disciples of Christ.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Holy Beautiful Life
The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.
About the Author
Jennifer Howard is a Kingdom Winds Collective Member and Founder of The Holy Beautiful Ministry for Women.
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