Three year old Jocelyn has become big into names. She has realized while my title is “Mimi”, I also have a name. So she asks, “What’s you name?”
Our names. They assign identity and relationship to our lives.
They can also delegate position and authority in and over our lives. In teaching His disciples one day, Jesus asked:
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?” (Luke 6:46, NLT)
What was Jesus expecting from those following Him that day? The question was posed to those who professed a faith in Jesus, those who had chosen to follow Him. The Expositor’s Commentary gives us this insight:
It is not mere words, nor even generally ethical behavior or religious practice, that mark true believers but whether they “do” (poieite) what Jesus says. The thrust is clear. (Volume 8, page 896)
Jesus was making the point that confession should bring obedience to the life of the believer. Those surrendered to God will hear God’s Word and put it into practice. Luke is pointing out that we are to live out that which we have heard.
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says.” (James 1:22, NLT)
The word “do” (poieite) in the Greek means, “a completed action producing something tangible or obvious to the senses.” (New Testament Lexical Aids, The Key Word Bible)
Jesus went on to give an example of a house built with a deep foundation established upon rock. When storms come and the floods rise, the house remains firm and stable.
Jesus knew obedience to God’s Word brings stability and strength to our lives. All that we do for Him will have eternal value and brings blessing to our lives, both in this life and the life to come.
May we hear and obey.
And call Him, “Lord.”
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This is Day 19 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Sharing His Beauty and Playdates With God and #WordswithWinter and Inspire Me Monday and #SmallWonder .
What a great way to start off my week, Joanne! I love your thoughts here and will take up your challenge to make God and His word my priority and guiding force in life today. I truly believe His word is alive and active, so why wouldn’t I want to absorb it and then let the overflow bless others in my life? Thanks so much for reminding us of this!
Beth, I love that you added His Word is alive and active. As we absorb it, we are then better able to pass it along. It will never stay stagnate in our lives. Grateful you shared your thoughts!
Also “In that day many will say to me Lord, Lord . . . and I will say to them, ‘Depart from me, I never knew you.'” Probably some of the most chilling words in the New Testament. It’s one thing to call Him Lord and even to do “His Work,” but knowing Him as Lord certainly is a matter of the heart. Always always challenged by your words, Joanne.
Michele, I so agree, those words are sobering. May we truly respond to what we hear with obedience & authenticity. You, my friend, have challenged me!
Thanks for your explanation of the Greek “to do.” That helps me to understand Jesus’ parable better. Praying that the words I say and read turn into words I “do.”
your neighbor at Laura’s Playdates with God
Constance, the explanation of the word “do” struck me deeply as it is a completed action. May we finish what He leads us to begin. Glad to have you stop here!
You reminded me that I had an assignment this week to look up what my name means. š Lisa means “devoted to God” – that sounds like a “doing” thing to me. Thanks for this, Joanne!
Lisa, so grateful we can remind each other of what needs doing š May you have a wonderfully productive week!
All too often we get caught up with the title “I’m a Christian” and forget the whole ‘do’ part. Thank you for the reminder that it’s in doing, not in claiming a title that our true relationship is revealed.
Anita, you have raised an interesting point in that, a title means nothing if our actions do not follow suit. Always good to read your thoughts. Thank you!
His word to us is so clear, isn’t it, Joanne? and yet we try to add to it, or take away and just end up in a muddle. I love your witness here, and the quote from Bonhoeffer – a favorite! Have a blessed day!
So funny that the quote from Bonhoeffer is a favorite as yours. Today was the first time I read it & now, it is a favorite of mine š Blessings!
Not just lip-service, but heart, mind and soul. May it be so. Thanks for linking, Joanne!
Yes! All our hearts, souls & minds!
Praying that God daily gives me the strength to do, and not just talk about it. Thanks for your thoughts today – they were needed.