READING: Genesis 23-24, Matthew 7
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:25
I am humbled today as I read the Word. First, I read about a God who is so close to His people that He leads them personally. Abraham’s servant was praying for God to direct him to the woman who would be Isaac’s wife, and the text tells us what happened: “Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah” (Gen. 24:15). God was so ready to answer the prayer that He did it before the prayer was over! Rebekah would become Isaac’s wife, and through them their descendants would become “thousands upon ten thousands” (Gen. 24:60). That’s a great God.
Then, I read in Matthew about the two ways that my life could have gone. Jesus tells us there are two paths to travel: a broad one that leads to destruction and a narrow one that leads to life. There are two trees that illustrate one’s life: a good tree that produces good fruit and a bad tree that produces bad fruit and is thrown into the fire. There are also two foundations on which to live: the solid foundation of obedience to God, and the sandy, weak foundation of disobeying the Word. The differences are stark, and the line of demarcation is clear.
It’s possible to follow Christ, stand on a firm foundation, produce good fruit, and reap blessings in the judgment; however, it’s also possible to reject Christ, have no solid foundation, produce bad fruit, and reap the wrath of God’s judgment. It’s even apparently possible to put on a good religious show – prophesying in God’s name, casting out demons, and doing miracles – and not really know God (Matt. 7:21-23). Few, though, choose the right path: “How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it” (Matt. 7:14).
I am a follower of the God of the Bible, a personal, loving, righteous God, only because of His grace. On my own, I would not have chosen the narrow path that leads to life. Now, my deepest desire is to produce good fruit that honors the Lord. I want to so trust Him and follow Him that my faith remains strong when the storms come. I want Him to say to me, “Well done” rather than “I never knew you.” Only He will get the glory when that happens.
ACTION STEPS:
- Thank God for His grace in your life.
- Make righteous choices today. Walk in obedience.
PRAYER: “Father, You are a gracious God. Thank You for allowing me to walk on the narrow path.”
TOMORROW'S READING: Genesis 25-26, Matthew 8:1-17