PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 21:42-46
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The kingdom of God will be given to a people producing its fruits.” (Matthew 21:43)
The religious leaders viewed themselves as God’s kingdom recipients.
They were the ‘church’ of the day, and yet they were not producing good fruit.
According to Jesus, there are people outside of the ‘church’ who do.
The source of good fruit in us is the Spirit of Jesus, He helps us do good.
But we must be willing partners; we must cooperate and aim to do good.
I was taught that unbelievers can’t do good, that what they do is not really good.
I’m not so sure anymore, I’m starting to see Jesus at work outside the church.
Jesus was surprised by the faith He found outside of Israel (the church) (Matthew 8:10-11).
This faith was the fruit of the Spirit… from a Gentile sinner!?!?
I believe that Jesus is working in people in the world by His Spirit.
He is drawing them toward goodness, and inviting them to be His partners.
This goodness does not save, but it is pointing in the right direction.
We can be encouraged and inspired by the goodness we see in others.
The Lord is using it to motivate us, to remind us of His desire for good fruit.
PRAYER
Lord, I know I’m not saved because of my goodness… no one is. But help me to see that goodness is a fruit of Your Spirit at work within us, and that wherever there is goodness, Your Spirit is at work!
I ask myself, What kind of kingdom am I trying to build? What legacy? Am I trying to make name, a reputation for myself? That irks me now when I think of it – but there is some truth to that. I need affirmation – but what is it’s best source? Not humankind – but I need the guidance and blessing (affirmation) of Jesus – through his HS. that is the only affirmation that matters. If I build for myself – I will fail – I’ll stumble on the stone or the stone will fall on me! Forgive me, Lord, if in my misplaced pride I revel in even that which you have helped me to do – rather I recognize that I have the privilege of being a ‘stone’ that you have chosen for your kingdom building. Help me to work alongside other kingdom builders -wherever they are!
Cornerstone.
The stone that gives life. And all who believe will produce good fruit.
And as the past has also taught us, God uses people His wonders to perform. Others may also produce good fruit driven to do so by His Spirit. But the road to salvation is to trust and obey Him, serving Him in all that you do. That is the choice. Yet many there are also today to rid Jesus out of their lives.
Help me this day to live for You!
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jesus’ name
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust is Jesus’ name
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
When darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil
Christ alone, Cornerstone
Weak made strong in the Savior’s love
Through the storm
He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all, Christ alone