take a look, lord
“None of those who cry out, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of God but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven.” —Matthew 7:21
God never rejects a cry for mercy from the brokenhearted, even at the moment of death (see Ps 34:19; cf Lk 23:42-43). What Jesus is rejecting from those who cry out, “Lord, Lord,” is the attitude of “look at what I did.” When we cry out, “Lord, Lord, look at my accomplishments,” our position before God is that of the Pharisee who placed his hope in what he had done for the Lord (Lk 18:11-12; see also Lk 13:26). When we cry out, “Lord, Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,” Jesus proclaims that we are justified because we place our hope in what the Lord has done for us (see Lk 18:13-14). That is how we are to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved (Rm 10:13).
As St. Thomas Aquinas said, all our works are straw. It is God’s mercy alone to which we must appeal. God’s “mercy triumphs” over all else (Jas 2:13). What do you want the Lord to look at on Judgment Day, His superabundant mercy for you or your accomplishments for Him? It’s your choice.
Prayer: Lord, “remember not against us the iniquities of the past; may Your compassion come quickly to us” (Ps 79:8).
Promise: “Anyone who hears My words and puts them into practice is like the wise man who built his house on rock.” —Mt 7:24
Praise: Sharon’s sight deteriorated to the point where she could no longer drive. Jesus healed her eyesight during a prayer service. Now she can drive and read easily.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Our Discover Your Spiritual Gifts retreat will equip you with the knowledge and grace to use the gifts you were given for the sake of the Church, July 3-5. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)
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