It's Not What You Know

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
Matthew 15:8

Jesus is talking to a group of Pharisee’s when he quotes the Prophet Isaiah with the words from this week’s passage. It is quite an indictment of their spiritual emptiness and lack of understanding. The Pharisee’s were experts on the Scriptures; they would have had all of what we call the Old Testament committed to memory. Even though they should have known and recognized Jesus, they didn’t.

As I am writing this I am reading a terrific book by Pastor Kyle Idleman of Southeast Christian Church in Kentucky. The title of the book is Not a Fan. The subtitle is Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Christ. Where are you? Are you a fan of Jesus or are you a follower of Jesus? Do you know the difference? Writing about this verse from Matthew and how it relates to fans Kyle says: “That description seems to fit most fans I know. Like the Pharisees, many fans have given their minds to the study of God, but they never surrendered their hearts.” Do you know anyone who can quote scripture chapter and verse but whose life doesn’t reflect the life change that comes with a sold out relationship with Jesus?

Jesus himself has some harsh words for the people Kyle would call fans. In Matthew 7 we read Jesus’ words: “Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (v. 21). Recently, I saw a comment on Facebook that said “God doesn’t judge” - I don’t know, but I think that could be the kind of comment a fan makes. Now don’t get me wrong we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus, but once that gift of salvation has been accepted our actions should speak louder than words - not through a list of do’s and don’ts but out of hearts over flowing with love for God and our fellow humans.

Bottom line for the week - Jesus doesn’t really care all that much about what we know; He wants to know how much we care for HIM and our neighbors.

A Prayer
Father - Father thank for sending your son to repair the relationship between You and us. Help us to be all in followers of Jesus. Help us to know the things that break his heart and the things that bring him the greatest joy. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.