FAITH CAPSULE: Fear God, work righteousness and be accepted by Him.
Luke 13:22-35
Peter was preaching to the gentiles when he stated, “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:35) It is clear that without the fear of God, it is not possible to work righteously, and without the works of righteousness no one can be accepted by Jesus. Which work are you working? Are you working the works of iniquity or works of righteousness? There is no middle ground in obeying God. There is nothing like half obedience, one is either obedient or disobedient. Fear God and work the works of righteousness. Becoming qualified and acceptable by Jesus is all that matters when it is time to stand before Him. If living in church and not working the works of righteousness is what a man knows to do, it will not count for one to be acceptable by Jesus. Jesus was speaking in Luke 13:26, Then you will begin to say, ‘we ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.”
Are you one that is doing all the running around but not working the works? It is important that we are also positioned in the word to impact on us the fear it takes to work the works of righteousness. At the time Martha welcomed Jesus to her house, her sister, Mary, “…Sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.”(Luke 10:39) While Martha was doing the serving, Mary remained at the feet of Jesus. Martha approached Jesus and protested about not getting help from Mary. The protest of Martha prompted Jesus’ response, “And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”(Luke 10:41-42) This not to say working in the church building and helping to keep ministry going is not worthy. However, it is important to know to live by the word of God.
Jesus was asked in John 6:28, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? And He responded by stating, “…this is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:29) Jesus clearly states believing God is working the works. Believing God is behaving the word of God. Behaving the word of God is the identity of those who fear God. Do not fear God just by the word of the mouth but by the way you live life.
Prayer for today: Ask for the grace to be steadfast in working the works of God so that you will be acceptable before Jesus when it counts.