Hear and Act [Matthew 7]

24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man... 26"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man...

As Jesus finished His discourse that began in Matthew 5, He emphasized the importance of these words He had spoken to them. These words demand action. However, as I consider what the Lord expects of me through these words; not judge others, not give what is holy to swine, to treat all people as I would like to be treated, to enter the narrow gate, to recognize and stay away from false prophets, and to understand that not everyone who says Lord, Lord is going to be in the kingdom even though they did miracles because they did not know Him, I feel overwhelmed and inadequate. How can I enter the narrow gate where few will enter? I know what a mess I am and that I deserve to go on the wide path to destruction. And then tucked among all of these expectations of our Lord, are the most awesome encouraging words that give me great hope:

7"Ask,and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

May you be as the wise man who hears and acts upon the words of Jesus because you keep asking Him to do it through you, as you seek Him and knock on His spiritual door through prayer.

Beth Warlick, 1/8/2009