Toward the very end of the Sermon on the Mount recorded in the Gospel of Matthew are some of the most terrifying words ever uttered or heard. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” [7:21-23]
I have heard many a sermon on the Sermon on the Mount, given a few of them myself. I’ve studied and read commentators thoughts on what Jesus said. I’ve heard people worry about whether they would be included in the dire warning given here. I remind people often that if they are worried about their inclusion, they are probably not included.
“…but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” is the foundation of Jesus’ warning. If you do the will of the Father, you do not need to be warned. If you, however, do not do the will of the Father, you should stop and heed the warning. And what is the will of the Father about which Jesus is talking? “[The LORD is] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9 NKJV]
It is not our abilities to prophesy or drive out demons or perform miracles that matter, it is the condition of our hearts. It is the knowledge of our Lord and Savior and coming to Him in repentance, that will keep us from ever hearing the most terrifying words ever uttered … “I never knew you. Away from me ….”
O LORD keep my heart right before You. May I live a life of repentance. May I seek Your face and know You. Amen.
