TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
Matthew 21:32-32
But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him.
1 John 2:5
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
The point of the parable, according to Jesus, is as follows: the corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before the seemingly holy Pharisees. Why? Because the tax collectors and prostitutes believed and repented. The Pharisees, thinking they were much better, refused to believe Him and repent of their sins.
So as a Christian already saved, what did I learn from this passage? I realized that there are many times when I nod my head in agreement with what our pastors teach, and a bulb lights up in my head, and I think, “This is a good lesson for ‘so and so’!” I remember also resolving to make my feet ready to bring the gospel but procrastinating until I forget. I am sure God is shaking His head and sighing. John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he is who loves me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” And James 1:22–24 reminds us, be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
May the Lord give us the grace to do the good we know we ought to do not only with words but also with action.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach us about obedience and repentance. Help us respond to Your call with willing hearts. Remind us that love for You is shown through obedience. Guide us to repent and follow Your ways. Empower us to be faithful workers in Your vineyard, bearing fruit for Your glory. Help us live in ways that honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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