As He was saying these things, a woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “The womb that bore You and the one who nursed You are blessed!” He said, “Even more, those who hear the word of God and keep it are blessed." (Luke 11:27,28 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)
A woman is so filled with gratitude for Jesus and His ministry that she shouts out a blessing on His mother. But Jesus immediately corrects her and pronounces a blessing instead on all who hear and keep the word of God. Jesus constantly emphasizes this in His teaching. Both Old and New Testament agree that the real test of a person is whether or not he or she obeys God. Race, nationality, ancestry, or the people you know is not what makes the difference — but rather our faith and obedience. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Jesus also said that if we love Him we will obey His word.
Don't allow feelings or wonderful experiences in church to trick you into a false sense of security. No one is perfect, no one hears God’s voice and keeps the Word of God all the time and in every way, but we have to make a real effort at hearing and obeying in a perfect way. No one can be blessed by God when he is lazy about obedience. But if we live by faith and trying our very best to do God’s will, we are as close and as beloved to Jesus as His own mother!
What if you decided to make a test for one week. This is what you could do: decide to hear God every single time He speaks to you, and keep His Word every time you are faced with a choice. If you decide to do this, watch out, it’s harder than you might think, but so rewarding.
No comments:
Post a Comment