Recently, we had our attorney finalize our wills. We thoughtfully considered all that we had, and the relationships that we share. It got me thinking…
Let’s say I wanted to inherit a portion of the wealthiest person in my state. I would not only need to know them, but be known by them–and most likely, need to be in their family. Just because I see them around town, go to where they go, make friends with their friends, and read everything I can about them, that does not qualify me to be an heir. I could even stand in the street and proclaim that I have the same last name, but if I’m not in their will–I do not stand to inherit one red cent of their fortune. It’s the same with heaven, and Jesus.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’
(Jesus speaking, Matthew 7:21-23, NKJV)
Also
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.”
2 Corinthians 13:5, NKJV
And
“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”
(Jesus speaking, Matthew 12:50, NASB)
I’m going to leave you with John 14:15-31. It is too long to put in this blog post, so I encourage you to prayerfully pick up your bible, or device, and read it in its entirety. It’s what Jesus said before His scourging, death, and resurrection for us. I will give you a taste of verse 15:
“If you love Me, keep My commands.”
Read it, before it’s too late. KNOW Him. BE KNOWN by Him. He loves you and is waiting to have a relationship with you. Yes, I said RELATIONSHIP. And it is glorious! 🙂
