Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Fall: Violation of purpose of Creation
Matthew 7:15-23
Vs 21 - “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."
The purpose of creation is to bare good fruits. The reference to the tree and its fruit is meant to be applied to the teachers and their works. Here Jesus warns against the dangerous influence of bad teachers. The words and deeds must be complimentary in a person of integrity. In this portion Jesus explains about the people who are going to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.
1. It is not the external appearance, but the inner attitude that is to be discerned. Jesus gives an indication that there are people wearing the garments of prophets and teachers without any merits. If the genuine prophets had left everything for the glory of God, these people were wearing the cloaks of the prophet for selfish ends and livelihood. In the New Testament times, there were people keeping away from the values of the kingdom, expressing evil intentions and wrong motives. Hiding the real, they made themselves appear as true prophets. It was difficult to identify them. They were very good in acting. Their garments made of sheep skin earn for them honor. But the sheepfold ought to acquire maturity and wisdom to recognize the 'wolf' standing with them. The false prophets cannot escape from the fire of God's judgement. Even if they may fool the innocent sheep, they cannot fool the true shepherd.
2. The prophets are to be identified through the fruits of their actions. The experienced persons cannot be deceived by external appearances. The believers should also develop the capability to identify the true from false. The true prophets will teach the paths that lead to life, and they will practice it. The false prophets, on the other hand, are only concerned about their own appetites like wolves. They are only concerned about their own glory. The true prophets will reckon themselves as mere channels and instruments of God's glory and will walk the paths where God's glory will be reflected in them. In our generation also they look like people of God, but Lord advises us to identify them by their deeds. The faith community must reject the false prophets.
3. The active obeying the will of God is the decisive test of being in the Kingdom of Heaven. Every one that comes into it must do God’s will. Many, who believed in the Lord, did many great things for Him, but those who do the will of His Father in heaven are entrusted to enter to the Kingdom. Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only believes in Him but does what He says. We might be very religious, and do many things in the name of Jesus, yet He might still say: "I never knew you; depart from Me..." We must find out God's will and do it. Thus, we have to participate in the mission of God as He wants. So, let us submit before God to do His will.
1. It is not the external appearance, but the inner attitude that is to be discerned. Jesus gives an indication that there are people wearing the garments of prophets and teachers without any merits. If the genuine prophets had left everything for the glory of God, these people were wearing the cloaks of the prophet for selfish ends and livelihood. In the New Testament times, there were people keeping away from the values of the kingdom, expressing evil intentions and wrong motives. Hiding the real, they made themselves appear as true prophets. It was difficult to identify them. They were very good in acting. Their garments made of sheep skin earn for them honor. But the sheepfold ought to acquire maturity and wisdom to recognize the 'wolf' standing with them. The false prophets cannot escape from the fire of God's judgement. Even if they may fool the innocent sheep, they cannot fool the true shepherd.
2. The prophets are to be identified through the fruits of their actions. The experienced persons cannot be deceived by external appearances. The believers should also develop the capability to identify the true from false. The true prophets will teach the paths that lead to life, and they will practice it. The false prophets, on the other hand, are only concerned about their own appetites like wolves. They are only concerned about their own glory. The true prophets will reckon themselves as mere channels and instruments of God's glory and will walk the paths where God's glory will be reflected in them. In our generation also they look like people of God, but Lord advises us to identify them by their deeds. The faith community must reject the false prophets.
3. The active obeying the will of God is the decisive test of being in the Kingdom of Heaven. Every one that comes into it must do God’s will. Many, who believed in the Lord, did many great things for Him, but those who do the will of His Father in heaven are entrusted to enter to the Kingdom. Jesus described a true disciple as one who not only believes in Him but does what He says. We might be very religious, and do many things in the name of Jesus, yet He might still say: "I never knew you; depart from Me..." We must find out God's will and do it. Thus, we have to participate in the mission of God as He wants. So, let us submit before God to do His will.
PRAYER
O Lord, help us to make our life meaningful by understanding your will and do it
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Are we recognizing God’s will in our daily lives?
Rev. Saju C. Pappachen, St. Thomas MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church
Rev. Saju C. Pappachen, St. Thomas MTC, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church