Matthew: Chapter 7
Matthew chapter 7 is the last of the three chapter which constitute the "Sermon on the Mount". Chapter 5 outlined the things which God expects and chapter 6 detailed the right intentions in doing necessary things without selfish reasons and not worrying about life in general. This chapter deals with the hinderances one might face while seeking God.
Judging Others: An Assessment
Verses 1-6 warns against judging others and ones self-righteous hypocrisy. It might be hard to stop being judgmental, but we must remember that we'll be judged based on the same way we judged others by God. As for being self-righteous, Jesus plainly states us to be first be in the clear, because we cannot truly help anyone if we don't acknowledge our mistakes first. The final verse in this segment warns how it is possible for someone to reject the valuable scriptures just because they do not want to let go of the world and the filth that comes with it. In this case, Jesus advices us not to waste what we hold sacred on them, because, they would not understand it, but rather would turn against us.
Ask, Seek, Knock: A Prayer
Jesus once again talks about prayer (verses 7-12), and this time focuses on how its a conversation with the LORD, who knows everything we need, but expects us to "ask, seek and knock" earnestly in faith and perseverance. Just like how our parents know what to give to us and when, the LORD knows as well. And finally, while we wait, we should do to others, what we would expect to be done to us. That is, be kind to everyone.
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7,8.
 |
| Ask with faith, Seek with hope, Knock with confidence |
The Narrow and Wide Gates: A Choice
In our time on Earth, we often get two "choices" in various scenarios, to do the right thing or to do the easiest thing. And without doubt, doing the right thing would be harder. But, staying our ground and doing what is right, ensures that we find life. If however, we go by the easier, vile route, which welcomes one with wide open gates, it would be our end. (verses 13,14)
A Tree and its Fruit: A Test
While we try to be the best version of ourselves, and try to do what God wills, we might stumble into few people who claim to be doing the works of the LORD. Jesus himself gives a simple test to check and see if they are indeed disciples of the LORD. The test is to look for the "fruit" produced by them. If we see love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (fruit of the spirit; Galatians 5:22,23) in them, then they are indeed followers of the LORD, else, if we see bad "fruit" in them, its safe for us to get away quickly.
Following this, Jesus also warns us about how important it is to do the "will of the Father" and to not do things which we want to do, in a selfish way, for personal gain, using God's name. Ones who do this, in God's sight, are evildoers, and will be thrown in hell.
The Wise and Foolish Builders: A Parable
Finally, Jesus concludes with a parable. He puts people into two groups, ones who listen to the words and puts them into practice by following what was said, and the others who listen, but don't practice. The group who practices the words have a solid foundation in Christ, and no matter what trouble comes their way, since their foundation is Christ, they will not be shaken but sheltered. However, the other group, falls away soon as they see trouble, because their foundation isn't strong.
It would be apt for us to self analyze and check if we read and hear the word of God, and if we put it into practice. Even if we haven't so far, and even if we have backslidden, we still can start again today. I'll end with a verse from psalms. This was one of David's prayers, it can be ours as well.
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground. Psalm 143:10
See you in the next one. Take care of yourself and each other!
Comments
Post a Comment