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Sunday February 16 - By their fruit
“Watch out for false prophets... By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?” Mt 7:15-16
I love the TV programme, ‘Fake or Fortune’ in which experts seek to establish if a work of art is genuine or not. Spotting the fake is not easy!
Jesus was only one of many itinerant rabbis who travelled from town to town with their faithful disciples in tow. How could townsfolk know whether a prophet was true or false? It takes more than a cursory glance at the cover to judge a book!
When it comes to prophets, people who purport to pass on life-directing truth, it is essential to look beyond face value, signs and wonders or, dare I say, even their knowledge of the Bible. What else then should we be looking for? The answer is a sanctified life; someone who’s ‘walking the talk’, loving and honouring Jesus, and whose teaching is fully consistent with God’s word. We also need to see evidence of the fruit of God’s Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This is hugely important – it is all too easy to be deceived. Throughout the ages good people have been captivated by the teaching of false prophets – sheep in wolves’ clothing!
This extends to teaching on Christian TV, authors and even music. A good safeguard is an endorsement from someone you trust, but above all the Holy Spirit’s witness in your heart. Let’s be wise!
Father, I need discernment to know good from bad and right from wrong. Please show me where I am being misled. Amen.
Monday February 17 - More than words
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of
heaven...” Matthew 7:21
This verse has caused consternation, leading many to ask, “Am I one of those Jesus is talking about?” Before we become fearful, we must understand the context of Jesus’ words, namely the need to spot false prophets. We find a parallel passage in Luke 6:46, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Jesus is speaking here primarily about false prophets hiding behind a charade of outward obedience. This is the reason for entrance to the Kingdom being denied! Despite an outward appearance of piety, their hearts are rebellious.
If we call Jesus ‘Lord’ then by inference we must obey him. Peter received a harsh rebuke when his response to Jesus was a blatant, “No, Lord!” (Matthew 16:22). The two words are the antithesis of each other; they do not belong together. What’s more, there is no need to attract Jesus’ attention by calling, “Lord, Lord!” Jesus responds to the first whisper of his name; this theatrical ‘double call’ was not asking Jesus to speak into their lives, but for onlookers’ sake. I believe an appearance of being a Christian is worse than outright denial. Jesus reserved his harshest rebuke for religious hypocrites.
Let’s take a moment to renew our commitment to Jesus as both our Saviour and our Lord, desiring to do only our Master’s will.
Lord Jesus, if there is hypocrisy in my life please reveal it to me. I want to be authentic in my walk before you, for your glory! Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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