Matthew 12:43-50 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. 46 ¶ While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. 48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? 49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! 50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
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“ Have Mercy On Me O God, the Sinner ” Amen. Foolish men who consider their morality worthy of securing a spot in heaven fail to heed Christ’s immediate command: “BE YE PERFECT…” (Matt. 5:48). But only perfect according to human standards relative to the next sinner? No, it is utter holy and divine perfection: “Be ye perfect even as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” This is impossible thru our innate faculties: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Where can this perfection be found? Only in Christ Jesus “who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (1 Cor. 1:30). So let us not be like Pharisees, who were skilled at appearing moral and righteous but often vainly prayed “God, I thank you that I am not like other men” (Luke 18:11-14). We cannot look to ourselves because we have a handful of moral boundaries we carefully observe and yet lack the perfection God requires. Only Christ can complete us, perfect us and sustain us in His righteousness, perfection and holiness.
Tom Harding is pastor of Zebulon Grace Church located at 6088 Zebulon Highway, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501. You may also contact him by telephone at (606) 631-9053, or e-mail taharding@mikrotec.com. The website address is www.henrytmahan.com.
