Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 5

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Matthew 7:21-23 ESV

This can be a troubling passage. We can prophesy in the name of Jesus, cast out demons and do other mighty works, and still not know Jesus. It is clear that Jesus is not enamored with our religious works. He is looking for an abiding relationship with us. It is our relationship with Him that allows us entrance into heaven. If we abide in Him, if we seek Him first, if we delight in Him, then we are able to do the kind of works He desires, namely loving people. We don’t work our way to heaven or into a relationship with Jesus. He is waiting for us with arms wide open, right now.

APPLICATION:

Have you measured your relationship with God and Jesus by how much you have done for them? Perhaps it is time to just sit still with Jesus, tell Him you love Him, and ask Him what He would like you to do.