On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many powerful deeds in your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!’
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, but it did not collapse because its foundation had been laid on rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the flood came, and the winds beat against that house, and it collapsed—it was utterly destroyed!”
When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed by his teaching, because he taught them like one who had authority, not like their experts in the law.
You don't want Jesus to have a Dory moment with you! In case you don't know her, Dory is this comical blue fish is from the "Finding Nemo" Movie who has a short term memory problem. I giggle just thinking about how she could forget someone within a moment, right after a conversation. Yet, I can also relate to all the typical losses of memory that seem foolish. I am also mindful of all those that we know and love that struggle with memory loss due to aging of the brain.
"Wait, do I know you?" can be a funny jab to give to a friend or family member, but terribly painful if they truly are separating from you permanently. I can't imagine the pain of hearing Jesus or anyone I know and love say those words to me. Is there someone that you have pushed out of your life? Reach out to them today. Is there a branch of the family that is torn--help them to mend and forgive. Remember in your prayers those whose home life and relationships have been fraught with distrust and conflict.
Dear Jesus, give us to live lives that keep a legacy of faith and carry out your hope, peace, and love. Challenge us to practice your forgiveness. Enliven us with your grace. In your name, we pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment