As we meditate Matthew 7 today, Jesus continues teaching us about life in His Kingdom.
However, in the latter part in verse 23, Jesus has a strong and impactful statement,
‘’I NEVER KNEW YOU, DEPART FROM ME!’’
Nothing is more painful than hearing this phrase from people whom we love. How much more from the Lord Jesus? Yet we heard it right, yes these words are from Him.
KEYwords (from different translations of the bible):
Depart from, away/get away from, leave
“I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked.” Psalm 26:5.
Lawlessness, iniquities, evildoers, lawbreakers
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,” 1 Timothy 1:9
THE WARNING of JESUS to those:
who speak or say things to Jesus or about Jesus, but don’t really mean it.
who are fulfilling some kind of religious duty with no heart, no soul, not spirit – only bare words and passing thoughts.
who say “Lord, Lord,” and yet their spiritual life has nothing to do with their daily life.
those that speak like angels, live like devils; that have Jacob’s smooth tongue, but Esau’s rough hands.” (Trapp)
Those with impressive spiritual accomplishments but they meant nothing without true fellowship, true connection with Jesus.
Those who even did miracles in the name of Jesus. Yet, they never really had a relationship of love and fellowship with Jesus.
These are the people Jesus referred to when He said,
‘’I NEVER KNEW YOU, AWAY FROM ME!’’
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!’
Those people will claim that their performance has earned, or at least proven, a place in Christ's kingdom. Out of all the hard work in the Kingdom of God, in the end, the basis of salvation is not just words of confession, not works but it is knowing Jesus and being known by HIM.
It is our connection to Him – by the gift of faith that He gives to us – that secures our salvation.
It is our connection to Jesus that secure our seats in heaven; without connection to Him all the miracles and great works prove nothing.
Jesus came that we may be reconciled to God and be in a relationship with Him.
The deeper relationship you have with Jesus will result in true service for others, the way Jesus served. That everyone will be saved. For this is the will of the Father (John 6:40).
21 “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.
Stay connected. Deeper in love with Jesus.
Reflections:
Have you been calling Jesus lately?
What makes you different from those who called Him, ‘’Lord, Lord,’’ in verse 21?
Do you serve as an act of saying that you love the Lord with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind?
Do you do the tasks in your ministry with love and delight? Or it just makes you feel a burden?
Do you seek praise from spiritual accomplishments?
Have you really known by the Lord?
If yes, How much do you think He knows you?
Do you want Him to know more?
Have you intended to commune with Him?
If you rate yourself, from 1-10, How connected are you with God?
Have you spend time with Him daily?
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