July 19, Matthew 7
Jesus said those who heard his sayings and put them into practice were like a wise man who built his house on the rock. When the wind, rain and rising waters of trouble threaten and destroy life-houses built on lesser foundations, Jesus promised that disciples who heard and did what he said would weather the storms and stand firm.
Two builders, two houses, two foundations, the common storm, and two results. The picture is simple and pointed.
Surely we want to build our lives on a good solid foundation. We want to make wise decisions, not foolish ones. Yet so many people reject the wisdom Jesus offers in favor of doing it their own way. They judge people around them while never acknowledging their own faults and failures. They live by a double standard, treating people in ways they would not want to be treated themselves. Those who insist on doing it their own way instead of Jesus’ way may imagine themselves to be individuals, thinking for themselves. But Jesus describes them as workers of lawlessness.
With practical wisdom and spiritual insight, Jesus offers a higher perspective on the challenges and problems of life to those who will listen. His teaching passes the test he suggests: examine the fruit to evaluate the tree. What kind of neighbor do I want? Wouldn’t my neighbors be blessed if I lived more like Jesus said to live?
When the sermon was over, the crowd was astonished. They had never heard anyone speak the way Jesus did. He challenged their thinking and conduct. He redefined the meaning of righteousness. And his voice rang with unmistakable authority.
Being a citizen in Jesus’ kingdom requires both humility and discernment. To refrain from judging others by a standard we would not apply to ourselves, to acknowledge our dependence and ask God to supply our needs, to consciously treat other people as we would want to be treated—all these things call for seeing ourselves and others clearly. But far from being merely an attitude or a mental exercise, Jesus calls us to tangible, real-world demonstrations of our devotion to him.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide
for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used
by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—July 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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