August 22, 2019
Matthew 7:21-23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’  Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
New International Version (NIV)
                “Are you a Christian?”  A young evangelist met a Mennonite farmer in the field and asked him this question.  The farmer pulled out a piece of paper and started to make a list.  Then he handed it to the zealous young preacher and said, “Here is a list of people who know me.  Ask them and let me know what you find out.  I want to be a Christian.”

                Admittedly this is a different way of thinking about salvation than we have thought.  Some nuances are lost in translation between denominations.  We may admire, however that the farmer did not presume upon God’s grace.   On the other hand, we like to think of the security of our salvation.  People should know whether or not they are believers, right?

                In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about two roads, two kinds of trees and two kinds of foundations for houses.  In every case Jesus points out that one of his followers will ultimately reveal their salvation by their actions.  Jesus’ half-brother James said, “Faith without works is dead.”  Works do not earn our salvation but they can confirm the reality of it. 

                This passage reminds us that salvation is not finally about what we say but about whom we know.  Jesus does not reject the people at the judgment because of their failure to get the formula right.  He says, “I never knew you.”  They never had a relationship.  To be a follower of Jesus is to come to know him and to follow him for a lifetime.  If we are believers, not only will we know it, but somebody else will as well.  So who would you put on your list?  What would they say?
Pray with me:    
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your grace and mercy which have allowed us to believe in and follow Jesus.  Thank you for the security of the salvation of those who know you.  We believe your people will persevere to the end.  Still, Father, we do not presume.  Help us to reveal the reality of our relationship with you in the way we walk, talk and act so that others see you in us.  We pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.    
This year our Every Day with Jesus readings will follow The Bible Project Read Scripture Plan.  Copies of this reading plan are available at Tallowood Baptist Church, or download 
the app at readscripture.org.  Read through the Bible with us in 2019!
Joyfully, 
Duane 
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