46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” – LUKE 6:46-49

Jesus asks His listeners, “Why do you say that I am in charge, but then you don’t listen to me??” Your actions share what you really think.

Jesus had just shared some teachings. Love your Enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Get the log out of your eye, before removing the speck from your brother’s eye.

Those teachings are tough. But our verse which happens right after these teachings is tougher.

If you call me Lord, if you say that I am in charge, you need to listen to me. Hear what I am saying and actually do it.

Actually love the people who are persecuting you.

Actually do good to the people who are hating you.

Actually speak words of blessing over those who are cursing.

Actually remove the sin and the brokenness from your life before trying to fix someone else.

He tells us to not just say that He is Lord. But to actually live like He is. Our lives should be lived on His life and our homes should be built on His Word.

And that is tough. It’s tough because while our identity as a baptized child of God enables us to call Him Lord, our old sinful nature likes to take over. Our desires, our wants, our comforts become the things we want to serve.

It’s a good thing Jesus isn’t just Lord, but also Savior!

He is the one who saves us from our hatred, from our persecution, and from our cursing. He saves us from our sinful nature.

Because He loves us. And because He loves us He will continue to work on us.

As you reflect on His Word and these words this week, respond to these questions:

Where is one area that Jesus can work to help you follow Him?

What is one way you can trust Him more this week?

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