Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 21; Psalm 108-109; Isaiah 48; Revelation 18
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the LORD, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. (Isaiah 48:1)
God in his Word has brought many indictments upon his own people. Here he brings the indictment of hypocrisy. They are called by the name of God's people – Israel. These people used the name of God, but they did not do it in truth or righteousness. They were religious and ritualistic but they were not genuine. They were outwardly Jews, but inwardly they were pagans. Could this happen today? Absolutely! Jesus says:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (Matthew 7:21-23)
Just because you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ does not mean that you are one. Jesus said there will be those who call him 'Lord' but do not do the will of the Father. These same people will be preachers and will have done wonderful works in the name of Jesus, but they are not saved. Jesus says he will profess to them that he NEVER knew them. How can this be? They have not truly done the will of the Father.
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:29)
There are many who profess Christ but do not possess Christ. They have never received him as the only way to God. They make mention of God but not in truth nor in righteousness. The Bible says:
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16)
Is Christ your only hope? Is he your life? Then let him live his life in you. Don't be like Israel! They used the name of God but not in truth or righteousness. A disciple of Jesus Christ is a completely new person!
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
What does the NEW look like in YOU? It always looks like Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
