Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. – Matthew 7:22-23
Several years ago, I was part of a team from our church that went to Romania. During that trip, we were looking at some property for a potential youth camp site, and one day we found a place we really liked. On the way back from seeing the property, we were told to stop in a nearby town and meet with the mayor because he would be able to help us identify the owners and possibly obtain the property.
Another brother and I went in to talk to the mayor, while three others remained in the van. We had a nice talk with the mayor, but when we came out, we saw one of our team members in a heated discussion with a police officer and a Romanian man. Even the members who did not speak Romanian were getting involved, which was a sight to see! They told me that while we were inside there had been a car accident. A vehicle drove past our van and into a driveway just ahead of us, and then tried to back out going the opposite direction. However, our van blocked his view of traffic, and when he pulled out, he hit the police officer’s car. They were trying to blame us for the way we had parked our van. We went back and forth with them for a little while, and finally we let them know that we had just been talking to the mayor and the chief of police. The officer then waved his hand, said everything was fine, and took off. We also took off, and the driver was left standing there. It was nice to be able to say that we knew the mayor; it came in handy that day.
In today’s focus verse, Jesus was explaining how important it is that we know God on the judgment day. He is the One who has power to pardon us from eternal punishment, and nothing our accuser would say against us can change God’s ruling. But to know God on that day, we must make sure we know Him now. Jesus said that some people who think they know God actually do not—only those who do the will of the Father will be recognized by Him.
To know God, we must spend time learning about Him and what His will is for us. Then we will be able to do His will, and on the judgment day He will welcome us into His kingdom.