A genuine faith in God

"Jesus said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you."             Matthews 21:31   NKJV 

Jesus told the chief priests and the elders a parable about two sons. The first one refused to do something his father asked but, later changed his mind and did it. The second son told his father that he would do this request but didn't. Jesus asked them who had done the father's will. They replied that it was the first one. Jesus then said:

'Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him.'

By answering correctly, the Jewish leaders condemned themselves, but the tax collectors and harlots refused initially and later repented. The leaders though, claimed to follow God but didn't back this up even though, they witnessed the repentance of the tax collectors and harlots. Words that cry out 'Amen' when a preacher speaks, mean nothing unless they are followed up with action.

There was a false front that came from the Jewish leaders. They confessed God, even though many didn't really know Him. However, they refused to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, even with all the miracles He did and His death on the cross. They knew He was different to everyone else but their hard-heartedness wouldn't allow them to consider this fact.

Sadly, there are people in the church today who don't know Jesus. Many had a 'religious' upbringing - Sunday school etc, but it was ritualistic. They went to church because their parents told them to. And from this time, they still go to the church on a Sunday morning and go through all of the rituals, but sadly, they just do not have a relationship with Jesus. I was the same until Jesus got hold of me; perhaps you do too. But, if you are reading this and realise that you don't have a relationship with Jesus - you've never met with Him, why not do this today. There is a prayer that follows that will help you.

Finally, if you feel that you are hard-hearted, ask Jesus to soften this right now. Just reach out to Him, He is longing to hear you speak with Him.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

'Lord Jesus, I have sinned and I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers

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