Today's Pastoral Letter on Matthew 7:21-23
Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. (Matthew 7:21-23)
Dear beloved community in Christ, grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus, who calls us into a deeper walk of faith and love. These words from the Sermon on the Mount resonate with a gentle yet profound urgency, inviting all who follow Jesus to examine the foundations of their journey. They remind us that the kingdom of heaven is not a distant prize to be claimed through mere words or impressive feats, but a living reality shaped by a relationship of intimate knowing and obedient living. Jesus speaks here with the compassion of a shepherd guiding his flock away from deceptive paths, toward the secure embrace of the Father's will. In a world where faith can sometimes feel like a performance—measured by attendance, eloquence, or visible success—this passage tenderly draws us back to the essence of what it means to be known by God.
Theologically, these verses unveil the relational heart of God's kingdom. Entrance is granted not to those who proclaim Lordship with fervor alone, but to those whose lives echo the divine will through consistent, heartfelt obedience. The repetition of Lord, Lord evokes the cries of those who approach the throne on that final day, armed with accounts of prophecies fulfilled, demons expelled, and miracles wrought in Jesus' name. Such deeds reflect the very power Jesus himself wielded and shared with his disciples, yet they prove insufficient without the bond of mutual knowing. This knowing is no superficial acquaintance; it mirrors the covenantal intimacy described throughout Scripture, where God declares to his people, You are mine, and I am yours. It is the profound connection where the Spirit dwells within, transforming desires and directing steps. When Jesus says, I never knew you, it is not a cold dismissal but a sorrowful revelation of lives lived apart from this union, where actions, however mighty, stem from self-reliance rather than surrender. The label workers of lawlessness further illuminates this: it speaks of a disconnect from God's righteous order, where religious activity masks an underlying resistance to his transformative grace. Yet in this warning lies God's compassionate pursuit, for he desires none to perish but all to come into the fullness of relationship with him.
This theological depth calls us to reflect on the nature of grace itself. Salvation is God's gift, received through faith in Christ, yet that faith blossoms into obedience as its natural fruit. The Sermon on the Mount, with its teachings on mercy, purity, and peacemaking, paints obedience not as burdensome duty but as joyful participation in God's redemptive story. In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment: one who did the Father's will unto death, securing our access to this intimate knowing through his resurrection life. The Holy Spirit empowers us to follow in these footsteps, turning lawlessness into lives marked by justice, compassion, and humility. For the broad family of believers scattered across communities, cultures, and circumstances, this means embracing a faith that integrates word and deed, where professions of love for God overflow into love for neighbor.
In practical terms, living out the Father's will begins in the everyday rhythms of life. Consider the workplace, where integrity in decisions—choosing honesty over gain or kindness over competition—becomes a quiet testimony to God's rule. In families and friendships, it involves extending forgiveness freely, listening with empathy, and supporting one another through trials, reflecting the mercy we have received. For those in leadership or service within the church, it prompts a shift from seeking acclaim through programs or platforms to fostering genuine community, where spiritual gifts build up rather than divide. Even in personal habits, such as stewarding time, resources, and health, obedience invites alignment with God's purposes, turning mundane routines into acts of worship. When facing societal challenges—like injustice, division, or hardship—doing the will means advocating for the vulnerable, bridging divides with grace, and standing firm in hope, all while relying on the Spirit's guidance.
Beloved, let this passage inspire rather than intimidate, for God's compassion surrounds every step toward him. If moments of self-examination reveal areas of disconnection, turn to Christ with open hearts; his grace renews and restores. Gather in fellowship to encourage one another, studying Scripture together and praying for the strength to obey. Remember, the kingdom is near, breaking in through lives surrendered to the Father. May this knowing deepen among us, drawing us closer as a body and radiating light to the world. Walk in peace, assured that the One who calls you is faithful, and his welcome awaits those who live in loving obedience.
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