Usually I enjoy talking about the more grace-filled statements of Jesus like John 3:17, “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” but today I noted what has to be Jesus’ most frightening statement. It is found in the Sermon on the Mount. “Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7.
Those words “I never knew you” have to be the worst thing anyone could ever hear. It is so natural for us to want to take credit for the good things we do and have it count for something. If we write something we copyright it so another cannot take credit. If we give money to a school we want a building named after us. We want our picture taken and have it published. We are someone great. Therefore, it only makes sense we would want God to be thrilled with our goodness. But, He isn’t thrilled unless we do it secretly. “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Matthew 6
Lest I leave you feeling a bit paranoid and fearful, please don’t be afraid. You will never ever hear “I never knew you” because that is for the self-absorbed. For those of us who long to be with Jesus and accept His gift, salvation is a SURE thing. Smile because good things are ahead. Jesus knows you.
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 8, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org