DAY 32: March 25, 2021 Thursday of Lent 5- Matthew 7: 21-23
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. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:21-23
“I never knew you.” These are some of the most frightening words every recorded in Scripture. Even more frightening, they come from the lips of Jesus.
Simply saying the right words does not guarantee entrance into heaven. Rather is that one who does the will of the Father. Jesus said, For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. – John 6:40 We are to look to Jesus with the eye of faith. The Apology to the Augsburg Confession says “The chief worship of the Gospel is to desire to receive the forgiveness of sins, grace and righteousness.” [Ap. V 189]
Jesus describes the fate of the false prophets as it will be revealed on Judgment Day. Christ will condemn those who call attention to their own works and expect God to receive them into heaven on that basis. On the other hand, those who are saved will be surprised to hear Jesus call attention to their good works. God regards those works as good that give evidence of saving faith in Jesus our Lord. [2]
Lord…when I appear before Your throne, Your righteousness shall be my crown.” Amen [3]
Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You send it; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. [4]
O God, You have called us to be Your children, and have promised that those who suffer with Christ will be heirs with him of Your glory: Arm us with such trust in him that we may ask no rest from his demands and have no fear in his service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [5]
Lord, come to us: free us from the stain of our sins. Help us to remain faithful to a holy way of life, and guide us to the inheritance you have promised. Grand this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen [6]
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[1] The
Water and the Blood copyright © Ed Riojas Higher Things
[2]
Concordia Self Study Bible copyright © 2009 Concordia Publishing House, St,
Louis
[3] A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth, Lutheran Service
Book 438:4 copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[4]
Collect for the blessing of the Word, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis
[5]Collect
for Thursday of Lent 5, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm
[6]
Collect for Thursday of Lent 5, For All
the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church Vol. 1 © 1994 American
Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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