When Prophesy, Exorcism, & Miracles Aren't Enough

Doing what is right is.

Honestly, this is a tough passage. It could be thrown at the face of all sorts of Christians. It’s why we should pay particular close attention to the whole of Matthew 5-7 as well as all of Jesus’ teaching.

You people who do wrong…

At the same time, this passage could be a significant encouragement to many. Perhaps you’ve never performed a miracle. Maybe prophesying isn’t in your gifting. What!? You’ve never cast out a demon…where is your faith!?

Fear not. Here, Jesus is clear that participation/entrance into the kingdom of heaven is predicated upon doing what is right. It’s not always easy, but everyone can do what is right.

What is right? Review Matthew 5-7 previous and post this passage.

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everybody who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will get into the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter. On the Judgment Day, many people will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name and expel demons in your name and do lots of miracles in your name?’ Then I’ll tell them, ‘I’ve never known you. Get away from me, you people who do wrong.’”

Prayer

God,

Honestly, I’m grateful to hear I do not have to work miracles or cast out demons or prophesy to be a participant in your work. Frankly, I’m sometimes concerned that my faith isn’t strong enough to do such things.

I do mess up in doing what is right sometimes. But I’m grateful for your grace to keep working at it. Most of the time, I believe I know what righteousness is, but even then, there are situations I’m not completely sure about.

So help me, God: Give me grace for today to do what is right. Move me by the same compassion that captured me in the first place. And still does.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.