Joni And Friends Daily Devotional 5 June 2024, Wednesday Message
TOPIC: Something Scary
“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.”- Matthew 7:21
Does today’s verse make you nervous? And what about the next verse, which states, “Many will say…, ‘Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’” Jesus answers that question with, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”
You might say to yourself, If those miracle-working, demon-busting guys aren’t making it with the Lord, what about me? Ah, but don’t be intimidated by people who seem to be on some higher spiritual plain. If God’s not impressed with so-called miracle workers, we shouldn’t feel insecure around them, either.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Bonafide miracles are going on. But if all you hear is “Lord, we did this,” “Lord, we did that,” “Lord, look at what was done over here by us,” realize that God is not swayed by showy drama. He’s not impressed with all the “we’s.” Neither is he impressed when we recount to him all our good works, all that we’ve done. Such things are never a passport into heaven.
The one who quietly perseveres and does the simple, everyday will of the Father will enter the kingdom.
And what is God’s will? To be like Jesus. To let him shine through you in a patient, loving, and enduring way. Whatever you do, whatever you are, as long as you’re like Jesus, you’re in God’s will. That’s not such a scary idea after all, is it?
Lord, thank you that I don’t need to put on a show to impress you or anyone else. Thank you that my task is to imitate you in every way I can, every day of my life. Help me today to do just that.
Joni Eareckson Tada is an American evangelical Christian author, radio host, artist, and founder of Joni and Friends, an organization “accelerating Christian ministry in the disability community”.