Matthew 21:31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”

I am continually struck by the practicality of the Bible. It says some really deep things, but it always comes back to how those things affect how we live. Jesus’ chief enemies were the people who said all the right things, but didn’t live them out. He frequently did what we have here, asking those who questioned Him to give the punch line to His parables. That way they couldn’t escape the truth of His words! Words are important. Hosea 14:2 says, “Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: ‘Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’” Likewise, Hebrews 13:15 says, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Paul even says that words are necessary for salvation, in Romans 10:9 “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” However, words alone don’t cut it, and that’s where so many people trip up. Sadly, the way some preachers present the Gospel, they give the impression that all you have to do is say a few “magic words” and you’re home free and don’t have to worry about being obedient to God. That’s exactly what Jesus was countering here. In Luke 6:46 He said, “Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” Our commitment to Christ is gauged by our obedience, not just our words.

Ouch! I’m a man of words, by gifting and temperament, so this hits very close to home. This issue keeps me dependent on the grace of God! I’ve got to be vigilant that I don’t stop with words, but follow through in practical obedience to whatever my Lord says to me. I’ve said nice things to and about God since my childhood, telling my mother, “I really, really love you, but not as much as I love Jesus” before I was even in the 1st grade, but there have been more times than I could count that I have ignored what He said to me, or even went directly against what I knew He was saying. That should give me real empathy for those to whom I minister! However, this verse presents the standard by which I must evaluate my actions. There is a hymn, I am Satisfied with Jesus, that asks the question, “Is my Master satisfied with me?” It is only by practical obedience that I will get the accolade I desire: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me keep growing in practical obedience indeed, speaking Your Words and being obedient to them myself, rather than preaching at people. May I be an example of Your grace to all, so that they too may be drawn to practical discipleship, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!