Galax Presbyterian Church

SCRIPTURE MEDITATION - MATTHEW 7:15-23

As he comes to the end of his Sermon on the Mount, a sermon in which he lays out in detail what it means to follow him, Jesus issues a warning.

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves." These are those who cry out, "Lord, Lord" to Jesus, but do not do what he says. These are those who put forth their agenda and claim that it is Jesus' agenda. These are those who say, "...did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many deeds of power in your name?" To which Jesus responded, " I never knew you; go away from me, you evil doers."

Why does Jesus condemn those folks? Because they are ravenous wolves, clothed like sheep. On the outside they say Jesus this and Jesus that, but on the inside they exploit God's children while claiming to save them.

"You will know them by their fruits," Jesus tells us. What are these "fruits"? Go back and read the sermon that he just preached. People who live like this are those bearing good fruit. People talking like Christians but acting like pagans are those bearing bad fruit.

Those who call out to Jesus, "Lord, Lord", but who ignore his teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, are ravenous wolves. They are false prophets. May God give us the wisdom to reject them, and may He give us the grace to hear Jesus' words and keep them. "Grant us wisdom; grant us courage for the living of these days."

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK

"Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."

Matthew 7:19

BIRTHDAYS