By: Josh

Read: Deuteronomy 4, Luke 6:39-7:10, Psalm 68:1-18, Proverbs 11:28

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
(Luke 6:46 NIV)

Relate: Man is inherently a selfish being; an entity of self-interest. I myself am no different, yet in times of need and desperation, I call out to God as if it’s my right. Imagine a scenario where a person punches you in the face and completely dislodges your jaw. How would you feel if they proceeded to act like nothing happened, asked you to forgive them, and then punched you again like they didn’t just ask for forgiveness? Would you not be aggravated? Upset at the very least? That is how God feels when you’re stuck in the cycle of sin. 

The more you call out to God for forgiveness but continue to sin, the more desensitized you become to the sin. It becomes a never-ending cycle of sin and forgiveness; a cycle of punching God in the face and asking for forgiveness. 

React: Now, what does this mean for us? Jesus says we cannot call on God unless we obey his commands. To be part of God’s kingdom, we must obey God’s commands, including repenting our sins. We cannot ask God to forgive us and continue sinning; we must also be intentional in repenting from our sins.

Respond:

Dear Heavenly Father,
I repent of whatever sin lingers in my heart that keeps me from Your gift of eternal life and reconciliation. Help me through my struggles and hardships. I pray that You accept me into Your great kingdom and acknowledge me as Your good and faithful servant.
Amen.