Passage Read: Matthew 7-8
Meditation Verses: 7:20-23
Thought
It is not miraculous powers that define a good tree or a Spirit-led leader, but it is how they treat the Word of God. It is calling Jesus Lord and acting like it. Jesus called these miracle workers men who practice lawlessness. They call Jesus Lord but do not do what He commands. They think--as do those who follow them--that miraculous powers are the sign of God's presence and blessing. They forget that Satan has real power too, and Satan is the chief lawless one! He is all about doing anything but what God directs. And anyone who is unwilling to submit to the commands of God's Word likewise follow Satan, not Jesus. He is a bad tree with bad fruit, and he and his followers will be cast into eternal fire.
Application
Jesus doesn't praise miraculous powers, but submission and obedience to Him and His Word. Those who are great in His kingdom are those who follow His lead and His command, who recognize what it means that He is King. I must not be deceived by those who seem to have great spiritual power, who prophesy, speak in tongues, cast out demons or any other miracles. I need to be impressed by those who walk in obedience to God, in the fear of Him, even if they do no miracles. They are the law-abiding ones, good trees in whom God delights. Likewise, I don't need to pursue miraculous powers or any display of miraculous powers in me; I need to pursue the miracle of a heart that is fully submitted to and trusting in God's Word, so as to do all it instructs.